Surprise, surprise, Texas Tech is the first program to offer a recruit. Yes, Red Raider fans have seen or heard that a lot ever since head coach Joey McGuire took over in Lubbock. This time, it is 2027 Red Oak (TX) High School defensive tackle Johnnie Fitzgerald III, who picked up his first offer from the Red Raiders on May 9.

RedRaiderSports caught up with him to discuss the offer and recruitment.

What you need to know...

... He also has an offer from San Diego State.

... Last season, he finished with 6 tackles, 4 hurries, and 2 tackles for loss in three games for the Hawks, per his MaxPreps page.

... He also competes in Track, where he throws the Discus and Shot Put, per his Athletic.net profile.

... His father, Johnnie Fitzgerald II, played running back at SMU from 2002 to 2005, and his uncle, Casey Fitzgerald, played wide receiver at North Texas from 2004 to 2008.

2023 season: "It was pretty good, as we went 10-0 for the first time ever in Red Oak school history and went three rounds deep in the playoffs."

The recruiting process: "The recruiting process has been really good. It is a very precious moment that you will never forget."

Getting the offer from Texas Tech: "I was offered by defensive line coach Zarnell Fitch. The offer from Texas Tech was surreal. This school is legendary, and I'm blessed to have received it as my first offer."

Relationship with Red Raider coaches: "It was my first time talking to Texas Tech, and they were genuine. Coach Fitch was cool. I have met a lot of coaches, and he is different. He treated me like family and not like a business, which stood out to me. He reminded me of Coach Jack (Jensen Jackson), my defensive line coach at Red Oak."

Thoughts on the Texas Tech football program:"The Texas Tech program is very good. Its coaches want what is best for the kids and prioritize education."

Camps and visits: "In my 8th-grade year, I went to the Under Armour Dallas camp and won defensive lineman MVP. I was then invited to Day Two of the Rivals Camp as an incoming freshman and competed against seniors, which was fun. Last summer, before entering my freshman year, TCU invited me to their camp. I attended a recruiting event in Texas this past fall and also attended Junior Day at Baylor in January. Connecticut, Illinois State, and Houston have invited me to attend their camps this summer."

Other schools he is hearing from: "I have heard from Colorado, North Texas, and TCU."

The off-season:"The off-season has been going pretty well. I have been focusing on becoming more explosive while being sharper with my hands and feet."

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