Texas Tech offers 2017 OL

The coaches continue to hand out new 2017 offers while on the road for the open contact period. Yesterday afternoon, Texas Tech offensive line coach Lee Hays was in the Dallas area and stopped by Plano East to see 2017 offensive tackle Casey Verhulst. The visit resulted with Hays offering Verhulst, the junior's first division one scholarship offer.

https://twitter.com/CaseyVerhulst/status/674383327713857536pic.twitter.com/tqCTE3FoLw- Casey Verhulst (@CaseyVerhulst) December 8, 2015

WHAT'S NEXT?:

Verhulst would like to visit the Texas Tech campus this off season, but does not currently have any visits setup. His older brother, a former player on the Air Force Academy football team, is now a student at Arkansas and works in the coaching program under head coach Brett Bielema. A trip to see his brother and the Razorbacks this off season is another visit he would like to setup. Overall, coaches from Northwestern, Houston, Colorado, Boston College, Rice and Colorado State have also started to show interest recently.

IN HIS WORDS:

"Coach Hays stopped by the school today and met with my coaches," Verhulst said. "I couldn't talk with him, but could see them visiting from a distance. My coaches gave me the good news about the offer later in the afternoon. Coach and I have already connected on Twitter, but we are going to setup a phone call sometime this week as well.

"From talking with my coaches and my messages with Coach Hays, I know he liked the way I pass protect. He also really likes my aggressiveness and how mean I am on the field. Coach also mentioned my size, presence and the good things he heard from our coaches about my personality on and off the field."

The offer from Texas Tech is the very first for Verhulst and the fact that he now holds a division one scholarship is still surreal.

"Yes, it's very exciting," Verhulst said. "I have probably called every member of my family and all of my friends since school ended today. My family and I were definitely celebrating tonight. I cannot say that I know a lot about Texas Tech, but they throw the ball a lot and throw the ball down people's throats. I really like that and have also heard the academic programs at Texas Tech are great.

"I have always wanted to major in either business or law in college. Coach Hays told me they have both programs at Texas Tech and I look forward learning more about everything they have to offer."

OUR REACTION:

At 6-foot-6, 270-pounds, Verhulst has the frame most coaches look for in a junior tackle prospect. He should continue to add weight over the off season and into his senior season, but he is honestly a prospect that really wasn't on my radar. From watching his tape, it seems like he moves well and does have a nasty streak, but it's always much better to see these offensive linemen in person before making any judgements about their potential. The Rivals Camp series will get started here in a few months and Verhulst could get an opportunity to compete against the best. -- Matt Clare