Notebook: Tech makes waves in Frisco, new offers, Transfer U?

We take a look at the Frisco spring game event from this past weekend, looking at the new offers, transfer targets, and notable Big 12 commits in this week's notebook.

We all knew that hosting a spring game event in the Dallas Metroplex could pay huge dividends for Tech for the 2018 class and beyond, but the recruit turnout at the event on Saturday went much better than most (including me) expected.

Before the event we confirmed more than 200 prospects who said they would be in attendance on Saturday. We originally thought 70 was a large number for this event. Now, whether all those recruits actually made it out or not is another story, but there was a large recruiting crowd in attendance on Saturday.

Some recruits recapped their reactions to RRS but here were the main takeaways:

-Exposure. The common talking point for most of these recruits was that this event gave them a chance to see how Tech operates and see a "Tech game" without making the long drive to Lubbock. Recruits were exposed to a Tech game day event without having to leave the area.

-Fan Base. The event at The Star was sold out and there were a lot of fans in attendance, tailgating before the game and cheering on the Red Raiders during the live action. Many recruits took notice of the packed stadium and got to see the large and passionate Tech fan base in person. Seeing fan support like that had a big impact on these recruits as many of them noted the fan base/support as the "biggest" takeaway.

-Coach/player interaction. This wasn't just a "meet and greet" type of event or anything, but a full-blown spring game/practice event. Every recruit in attendance saw the "Tech scheme" on display on offense and defense and saw how the coaches operated during game-like settings. Each recruit also got to observe the team chemistry and how the players interacted with each other. Giving an opportunity for hundreds of recruits to see you in action was a huge opportunity.

Since assistant coaches are now allowed to use their own in-person evals to offer recruits, new DL coach Terrance Jamison has been taking advantage of the rule change. From his time recruiting and scouting at Florida Atlantic, Jamison has already made a few new offers to Florida defensive linemen that he has already seen. He offered Jordan Redmond last week and now Dennis Briggs this week.

Following their event at the Star on Saturday, a new offer was made to SMU WR commit Michael Woods. Woods has been in contact with the Tech coaches for awhile now and was excited to receiver the offer.

“Coach Jones really fell in love with my film and has been talking to me for about two months or so. After I went to their spring game event, he called me and offered me. He said they need me over there, and he really likes me on film. They need a jump ball threat like me in their air raid offense.”

“I was feeling really blessed and really excited. Their offense is nice. It is a fast-paced offense and they throw the ball a lot. It was an honor to pick up an offer from them.”

Woods is Tech's 18th wide receiver offer for the 2018 class. Woods earned district 20-5A offensive MVP honors and was a third team All-State selection. He caught 75 passes for 1,456 yards and 21 touchdowns this past season.

Tech has been mentioned a lot lately as a potential transfer landing spot for a variety of prospects (in both football and basketball). We recap a few of the prospects below...

Reigning MAC freshman of the year Marcus Weathers has asked for his release from Miami (OH) and is looking to transfer with Texas Tech's name being mentioned as a potential landing spot. The freshman point guard averaged 16.7 points per game, 4.9 assists per game, and 4.5 rebounds per game.

His twin brother Michael has also asked for his release. Package deal?

Former Iowa runningback/receiver Derrick Mitchell is transferring from the Hawkeyes and Tech's name has also been thrown out as a school he is considering. Since joining the Hawkeyes, he has moved around a bit from wide receiver to running back. Listed at 6-foot, 185 pounds out of high school, Mitchell is now 6-foot-1, and 220 pounds. For a team like Tech looking for some extra firepower, the Red Raiders could be a good landing spot.

The Cochran and Tech connection has been thrown around since February or so. Things will finally be put in motion with the grad transfer as he will be visiting Lubbock this weekend to see Tech's "Under the Lights" scrimmage. We had a visit preview with Cochran last week ad things seem to be in real good shape. He is expected to make a decision between Oklahoma State, Auburn, and Tech shortly following his visit.

-Tech will be hosting their "Under the Lights" scrimmage this Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Jones. We are already compiling another notable list of recruits who will be making the trip to Lubbock for the spring event. It won't be as large as Frisco, but there is still plenty of excitement regarding this event among recruits.

-9 more days until the dead period ends and coaches can hit the road, scout prospects in person, and *hopefully* extend more offers (linebacker anyone?). Mark your calendars.

-Baylor received commit No. 5 this past week from 6-foot-3 Miami (FL) receiver Tyquan Thornton.