Mekhi Garner chooses Tech after visiting Lubbock

Texas Tech landed their first defensive commit for 2018 on Wednesday morning, as Mesquite (Texas) Poteet defensive back Mekhi Garner announced his decision to pledge to the Red Raiders.

The defensive back received an offer from Texas Tech in May and has been in contact with defensive backs coach Karl Scott constantly since.

Garner's chance to finally see the campus and visit Lubbock over the weekend influenced his decision heavily.

"When I saw the campus in real life, that was the only thing when I saw the campus and what they were about academics wise, that was really it."

"It was when I saw the pool and the REC center, when I saw the recreation center that they have there so that can just keep me from being bored. So that's what leaned me toward it and then I saw the pool too. So there's a lot of things to do."

The three-star prospect spent quite a bit of time around the Tech coaching staff on his visit, in particular Coach Scott. In fact, Scott shared the Red Raiders' plan for Garner to play corner at the next level.

"Yeah I talked with Coach (Karl) Scott yesterday. They discussed with me how they'll help me play corner because I'm going to be playing corner there so Coach Scott has got to help me on my technique so I can get better so when I go there, I'll be ready."

"The best thing I can bring to the secondary is my size and length," he added.

"Really I haven't just focused on them, but I've heard a lot of the things and people have been telling me how I'm going to do great on and off the field at Texas Tech so I'll be fine here."

The Mesquite native said he is familiar with current Red Raider and Poteet alumnus defensive back Kisean Allen as well.

"I know Kisean. Kisean is the only dude I just like know on the team, but when I met almost the whole team yesterday they were like real cool, real open. I'd say I'm starting to build a good relationship with them and the coaches."

"I met all of them (coaches)," he said. "I met coach (Kliff) Kingsbury yesterday and this morning before I left. I met all of the coaches."

Garner said he currently holds 11 offers-Air Force, Navy, UTSA, University of Incarnate Word, North Texas, Prairie View A&M, Delta State, Alcorn State, Northeastern State, and Grambling. However, since committing to Texas Tech he said his focus is on the Red Raiders only.

"No I'm not talking to any other schools right now. I've kind of left them behind after I pulled the trigger with Texas Tech."