Texas Tech flips Robertson

From recruiting players -- linebacker Will Smith, cornerback Bruce Jones and offensive weapon SaDale Foster to name a few -- to hiring away associate head coach Darrin Chiaverini, Texas Tech has made regular stops at Riverside C.C. over the last few years. That trend continued on Monday as the Red Raiders flipped offensive tackle Dominique Robertson from Kansas State.

The 6-foot-6, 310-pound prospect visited the South Plains over the weekend and shared his decision with both coaching staffs on Monday morning.

"Coach (Charlie) Dickey, he's a real good dude and I love him as a coach," Robertson said. "I just had to do what's best for me. I feel like Texas Tech fits me more. The environment, the people, their system of offense."

Robertson was originally scheduled to visit Tech in December, but a misplaced ID kept him from traveling for nearly a month. He made up that visit over the weekend.

"Honestly, I like the people," he said. "I like the system they have. I like the coaching staff. I just like everything about Texas Tech. And, plus, one of my coaches (Darrin Chiaverini) just got hired there so that just made it a plus."

Robertson said that Chiaverini and offensive line coach Lee Hays were big factors in his decision to become a Red Raider, as was the opportunity to compete for a starting job right away.

"I just didn't want to have a spot given to me," he said. "I asked them if I would be able to come in and compete at left tackle, even though they still have one, and they told me I definitely would be able to compete. Even if not, I don't have a problem playing right tackle. That's where their need is at. I'm still going to try to compete for the left tackle."

Robertson chose Tech over offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Kansas State, Texas A&M, West Virginia and others. He expects to arrive in Lubbock in June.