Visitor reactions: Texas Tech vs Montana State
Texas Tech opened their season with a convincing 45-10 win over the Bobcats of Montana State. While Tech did not host a huge group of visitors for the game, they did have a few recruits on campus in including a couple 2020 commits and targets from the 2021 and 2022 classes.
We caught up with a few visitors for their reactions to the game.
Unofficial visit, first time seeing a Texas Tech game at Jones AT&T Stadium
"It was my first time being at the game in Lubbock. I have watched them play at NRG Stadium in Houston, but this was my first time at the Jones Stadium. It was pretty dope, the whole town lights up. Everyone is walking around, tailgating, everyone was cheering and doing chants."
Speaking of chants, what did the Tech commit learn about the gameday traditions?
"I saw the people throwing tortillas. I have always heard about it, but seeing it in person was cool."
On being in the locker room after the game
"I talked with the coaches before and after the game, I got to be around the locker room and talked with some of the players. There were guys that I knew from the Houston area, and I also met a lot of new guys. Everyone was very welcoming. I knew Ta'Zhawn Henry, played against him when he was at Houston Lamar. We talked and he gave me great advice on the school and what he likes about Tech.
"Being in the locker room, me just visualizing myself being there and thanking God to be in this position. Seeing it live, seeing the players interact with each other and being there was great."
Relationship with the TTU coaching staff
"The one person that I have a strong relationship with is Coach (Paul) Randolph. He always has this very positive vibe, he pulls you closer and makes you want to be around him. But he also turns it on and off, can be a close friend and then it's time to coach and he can get after you.
"I'm also building a relationship with Coach (Aaron) Burks, Coach (Matt) Wells and a lot of the other coaches. Coach Randolph is my main contact though."
Thoughts on the game
"One thing that really stood out were the different schemes, they dropped the linebackers and changed the fronts a lot. I see that as an opportunity to move around and become a versatile defensive lineman."
Where things stand with Texas Tech and his commitment?
"I'm really solid with Tech. Some people saw me post other official offers on social media and were wondering, but my interest in other schools is just acknowledging the accomplishment. It is not real interest or me not being committed to Tech."
Thoughts on watching the offense in action and the use of the TE position
"Yes, I was pretty impressed with the usage of their tight end and I'm glad to have the opportunity to be used in that type of offense."
Met other recruits during the visit
"I sat next to Behren (Morton). We had met before, just watched the game together."
Thoughts: Holcomb is not a huge fan of interviews, he did have the opportunity to celebrate the win in the locker room with the team afterwards. No other questions answered or noteworthy quotes though.
Another unofficial visit, another Texas Tech home game - anything new?
"Oh yeah, the offense was new. It really exceeded my expectations and they played great. The tempo was fast, and I hadn't seen anyone go that fast before. I'm really excited to see how the offense plays into Big 12 play this season."
What he watched specifically from the offense yesterday
"I watched Alan Bowman at quarterback, he is very successful at what he does. My offensive coordinator visited with me earlier this summer, and we incorporated some of the checks and audibles that the Texas Tech coaches shared with us. So it was cool to watch him call the offense and know what was going to happen on the play."
On talking with the coaches before and after the game yesterday
"I got to come two hours before the game started. I talked with Coach (Matt) Wells and Coach (David) Yost, plus I talked with the entire offensive and defensive lines as they warmed up. They were all very happy that I was there, we watched the pregame and then went into the locker room after the game."
Watching the postgame speech from Coach Wells
"The energy in the room was insane. It was really top notch, and showed what Coach Wells has already done for the team. It was good to see it paying off early."
Spend time with other visitors?
"I spent time with John Holcomb, the 2020 tight end commit. There were a lot of other 2021 recruits from the Lubbock area there too. It is always a good time watching the Tech games in Lubbock."
Other visits scheduled?
"No, not any scheduled right now. I'm trying to attend games at TCU, Baylor, Oklahoma State and maybe Kansas. I'm coming back to Lubbock for the Tech game against Oklahoma State next month."
Talk about the visit, what you got to do. What was the highlight of the game for you?
"The overall game was an amazing experience. Tech really has some amazing things going on and going to the game as an actual recruit was a great experience. I think the highlight of the whole experience would've been being on the field with all the players and just seeing how they do things."
What coaches did you get speak with and what was the message from the staff?
"I mainly talked to coach Luke Wells, the tight ends coach. He basically told me that me being up there was something he wanted and that he wants to get me back as many times as possible."
Did you get to talk to any other recruits in attendance?
"I was able to talk to a few of the recruits, especially the ones from Cooper like Ayden (Visage) and Kobie (McKinzie). Seeing all those guys from Lubbock really made it feel like home."
Other than Tech what other schools are you hearing the most from?
"Besides Tech, I haven't really talked to very many schools or focused on many. Tech being so close makes it really easy to communicate and get up there when I can."
Do you have any other school visits coming up?
"Currently I don't have any scheduled visits but I definitely plan on getting back to Tech and possibly a few other schools."
Talk about the visit, what you got to do. What was the highlight of the game for you?
"The visit went great! All of the coaches and staff were very welcoming and made me feel at home. The facilities were very impressive. The atmosphere of the game was unlike any other. The highlight of the game was the defense, they did a great job, the got multiple stops and 3 and outs. The defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage the entire game and kept a constant pressure on the quarterback, which had a huge impact on the game."
What coaches did you get speak with and what was the message from the staff?
"I spoke with coach Pehrson and coach Randolph, and he told me that he really likes my film and what I can do and that he wants to see me at camp in the spring."
Other than Tech what other schools are you hearing the most from?
"I’ve been hearing a lot from Stanford, Notre Dame, Cal, Colorado, and Arizona State."
Thoughts on the visit and game...
"It was a great visit, I really like atmosphere of Tech and seeing the defense making a lot plays."