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Rivals250 defender and Tech legacy recaps Lubbock visit

RELATED CONTENT: Mbanasor recaps official visit to Lubbock

This past weekend, Texas Tech played host to many high-profile 2018 prospects including Rivals250 four-star defensive back Verone McKinley III. McKinley has seen increased contact with Tech and the Texas Tech coaches and wanted to make another trip to Lubbock despite having already visited on many occasions.

“My contact with the coaches has really started to pick up since September 1,” McKinley said, “I’ve talked with them quite a few times. They had given me the invitation to let them know whenever I could make it down there. I had a weekend where I was available, and I thought it would be a good idea to go down there and watch them play Oklahoma. A good opponent to watch how the DBs performed. I was excited to make the trip that day. I’ve been to Lubbock on multiple occasions, but I really liked getting back down there again.”

The main event for McKinley this weekend was watching Tech take on top-ranked Oklahoma in a night game at Jones AT&T stadium and the experience did not disappoint.

“The atmosphere was very good. Very high energy everywhere which was great. It was a really good game. There were definitely a lot of points scored by the offense, but it showed that there was definitely a need for some DBs with all the passing, that was something I took to mind.”

“The fans took me by surprise, for sure. They were all very engaged, even when Oklahoma would go down and score. They had really positive energy coming from the crowd. That was something I really took away.”

McKinley, the 224th ranked recruit in the country, got the chance to speak with coach Scott and coach Gibbs very frequently during his time in Lubbock.

“I talked with coach Scott and coach Gibbs quite a bit throughout my whole visit, coach Gibbs a little bit more. They definitely see a fit with me and the DBs. They really need DBs who can cover and stay in coverage and can come up and make tackles whenever needed.”

McKinley currently has 26 offers to his credit, including offers from the likes of Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Florida, and Oklahoma among others. Despite the extensive offer list from some of the top schools in the country, McKinley is still very much interested in Texas Tech, especially since his dad, Verone McKinley Jr. played for the Red Raiders.

“Having been down at Tech for so long, I just know that it is a place that I would be taken care of down there. Knowing my dad went there, and being down there a lot, I know what to expect and really like it. Tech was one of my first offers, too, during my freshman year they took a chance on me. That is something I definitely look at. They try to keep constant contact with me, and when I call, they always answer.”

“He (my dad) always tells me that if he had to pick for me, he would choose Texas Tech because that’s his alma mater, and he loves Texas Tech. He tells me that it is ultimately my decision, though, and he tells me that I need five reasons as to why I want to go to a place.”

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