The Red Raiders landed a commitment from Midland Lee wide receiver Loic Fouonji earlier today. The three-star prospect was one of the coaching staff's top remaining targets and a big win on the recruiting trail for Texas Tech.
Fouonji, a West Texas product, was one of the first 2020 prospects that new head coach Matt Wells contacted shortly after taking over at Texas Tech and that persistency was not lost on the standout receiver.
"I have been to Texas Tech a lot and I have seen what the program is all about," Fouonji said. "Between talking with Coach (Matt) Wells and Coach (Joel) Filani, I just thought it was the best fit for me on and off the field. It has been a long recruiting process, but I sat down with my parents each week and talked about where I was at with everything.
"I felt ready to make my decision, so I talked with my parents and then called Coach Wells. He was in the office and started screaming and hollering, so then everyone around him found out too."
Being around the program and visiting campus several times certainly helped the Red Raiders land Fouonji, but the standout prospect specifically mentioned a desire to help build something at Texas Tech.
"I know the team is losing games this season, but most of them have been very close games," Fouonji said. "The next step for them is recruiting and building the roster, and I know they already have some really good guys on the roster and have been adding even more in this 2020 recruiting class.
"I have been hearing a lot from other commitments, guys like Donovan (Smith), Tahj (Brooks) and Behren (Morton) have all reached out and let me know they wanted me to join the class. That was another positive for Texas Tech while I made my decision, because the connections with teammates and other players last longer than football."
Fouonji and his teammates are in the middle of a playoff run, and the Rebels will face Southlake Carroll in Abilene this Friday night.
"I'm not sure whether or not I'm signing in December or February," Fouonji said. "It feels good to announce my decision, but I'm completely focused on the playoffs and my team right now. I am 100-percent committed to Texas Tech, and right now that is the next step for me. Now I want to keep winning games at Midland Lee and win a state championship."
Currently rated a 5.6 three-star prospect, the 6-foot-4, 192-pound receiver chose the Red Raiders over 12 total offers, including offers from Texas, Baylor, Colorado, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, USC and others.
Through 12 games played, Fouonji has 68 catches for 1,425 yards and 22 touchdowns.
