We caught up with Plano East (TX) offensive tackle Casey Verhulst as part of signee Q&A series. We asked him a few questions as he prepares to make the transition from Plano East Panther to Texas Tech Red Raider.
What made you decide to sign with Texas Tech?
"I'm committed and that's because when I visited it, I absolutely fell in love with it and once I make a commitment, I'm fully committed. My commitment is definitely a lot more than some other people's might be."
Which position will you specifically be playing when you get to campus?
"Offensive tackle, but if the coaches want me to play elsewhere then I'll play elsewhere."
You can have any football player on your team. In this fantasy, who do you pick?
"Antonio Brown."
Current height and weight?
"6-7, 310 pounds."
Whataburger or In-N-Out and why?
"Whataburger, I just think it's far better than In-N-Out."
What stick out to you most about Tech or Lubbock on your visits?
"I love the campus. Mostly I love the way the coaches cared about me. I didn't feel the way I did at Tech at any other campus I visited. I really believe they wanted me to get better with them instead of just making their program better."
You can have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, and ask them any questions you might have. Who would you pick?
"Tyron Smith from the Dallas Cowboys. I would love to sit down and have a five-course meal with that man and just talk for ages."
Do you feel like you've already built a bond with anyone on the team or in the class with you?
"The offensive line, they've got my back. I went on my official visit and they welcomed me with open arms, showed me a good time and we actually talked quite a bit. I'll actually be moving in after the summer's over with all of them."
What's your expectation for yourself in your first season at Tech?
"Getting big, getting better, staying healthy and making sure my grades are as close to a 4.0 as possible."
Favorite movie you saw recently?
"I saw Split a few days ago, that was a crazy movie, but my favorite movie overall would be Remember the Titans."
You gotta pick one song to play when you run out of the tunnel. What is it?
"Probably Enter Sandman by Metalica or Welcome to the Jungle, maybe even the fight song. You can't go wrong with the fight song."
Who is your favorite football player, and why?
"I probably would say Tyron Smith just because I've modeled my game after him. I really like his athleticism. I actually watched the new NFL Top 100 and they ranked him pretty high and the defensive linemen were saying you better watch out because he's got receiver speed with linebacker strength."
One last thing you want to tell Texas Tech fans before you head to Lubbock?
"Texas Tech, your offensive line is coming. Be prepared to build that great wall again."
