Red Raiders add three-star LB

Houston (Texas) Cypress Ranch linebacker Brayden Stringer announced his commitment to Texas Tech on Friday. The three-star prospect chose the Red Raiders over offers from Arizona, Cal, Oklahoma State, Wisconsin and others.

"I just fell in love with Tech as soon as I went there on my unofficial visit," Stringer said. "The people, the academics especially -- I plan on getting a business degree and their business school is really good -- and of course the coaches all around. When I went to a place, I wasn't just trying to fall in love with one coach. I wanted all the coaches to be involved with me and at Tech I saw that with them."

Stringer said he clicked with defensive coordinator David Gibbs and linebackers coach Zac Spavital during his visit to the South Plains. Their relationship, and the team's new defensive philosophy under Gibbs, were big factors in Stringer's decision.

"They really liked how quick I am to the ball," Stringer said. "They're not worried about straight fundamentals. They're trying to get tackles and stops for losses. I like that about them, too. They weren't just like focused on footwork every time. They did something different. They weren't just like every other college."

The 6-foot-3, 196-pound prospect stood out at the Rivals Speed & Skill Challenge in Houston and has since added several Power Five offers, including Texas Tech. Stringer's commitment to the Red Raiders is the latest big moment in a recent run of success that has included a run to the 2014 6A Div. I state championship game and an all-district selection.

"This past year has been really fun," Stringer said. "It's a good way for a high schooler to do his high school career. A lot of kids don't get to do what I'm doing right now and I'm just enjoying every minute of it. It's my senior year. I hope we can get to the playoffs again and make a run, we're trying to get back to state. We didn't finish our goal last year, so that's what we're trying to do -- get back to state. It's been a blessing."

Stringer is Texas Tech's 12th commitment for the class of 2016. The Red Raiders' 2016 class currently ranks No. 34 nationally and No. 4 in the Big 12.

Cypress Creek Mirror high school sports reporter Adam Coleman contributed to this report. You can follow him on Twitter at @CyFairSports and read his work with the Mirror by clicking here.

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