Local defensive prospect generating interest from Tech
With the addition of 2016 signees like Amarillo (TX) defensive tackle Ivory Jackson and Odessa (TX) Permian defensive back Desmon Smith, Texas Tech has shown that they are willing to go the local route when it comes to adding prospects for their recruiting classes.
Another West Texas recruit that is starting to generate more interest with the Red Raiders is Midland (TX) defensive end Dillon Springer.
Springer keeps up with defensive line coach Kevin Patrick frequently and knows the coach from his time at North Texas having been visited by the coach last spring. Springer is also very familiar with Tech, as he has participated in their summer satellite camps and has taken a couple trips to Lubbock for games recently.
After missing the first three game of the 2015 season due to injury, Springer recorded 56 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and seven sacks in his team’s final eight games.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Along with interest from Texas Tech, Springer is starting to generate a lot of interest from a lot more schools, most notably Texas schools such as SMU, Texas State, TCU, UTSA, and Rice. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound prospect was recently at SMU and Texas State Junior Day events and will be visiting Tulsa next week. A visit to Texas Tech could also be in the works.
Springer is one of the many prospects who project to a different position at the college level. The recruit currently plays defensive end for Midland but is being recruited as an outside linebacker type in college due to his size. With that in mind, Springer is working hard this offseason to increase his speed so he could be better prepared for the next level. Springer also plays basketball and throws shotput and discus for track.
IN HIS WORDS
“We most recently talked about Tech having a guy at the combine in Branden Jackson which speaks high volume of the program they have at Texas Tech. Also, when Coach Patrick and I get in contact we aren’t always talking about recruiting. I always ask him what things I need to do to become a better athlete, how can I get better at this, how can I get better at that. It’s a good connection. He likes the way I move and says I’m a good ball player, but I need to work on my hand placement.”
“I’ve visited the school a couple times, and I really like it. Great environment. They are passionate about everything they do. The campus is beautiful, and I love their traditions. I’ve been to one of their games recently and nothing is as loud as when they go “Raider! Power!” I love it. I love the coaching staff. When I go to their camps, they always have a lot of passion. People call Tech ‘Too Turnt University,’ and I like that.”
OUR REACTION
Adding local talent when available is always a plus for the Red Raiders, and Springer is certainly on the radar. He obviously is interested in Tech, so we'll see where things go if he picks up an offer. - Will McKay