Who and Why: A look at Texas Tech's mid-year JUCO signees
Texas Tech added six mid-year JUCO signees on Wednesday, adding age and depth to a number of positions for the spring. So who are they and why did they become a Red Raider? We take a closer look.
The story: Carter - a prospect out of Gilmer - was a quarterback that Kingsbury offered a preferred walk-on opportunity out of high school, but the QB decided to pass on that to play at Incarnate Word. Carter then moved on from UIW, heading to Tyler J.C. for a year to gain more exposure. Now, with a need for another QB on the roster, Kingsbury went back to Carter, this time with a full offer after the signal caller had some extra time to develop over the last two years.
Why Tech? Carter is a great fit at quarterback for the Red Raiders, as he fits the mold of guys like Nic Shimonek and Pat Mahomes: Big, hard to bring down, an ability to extend the play both inside and outside the pocket, and a good arm. There will also be an opportunity to compete for the starting job should Mahomes leave for the NFL.
Carter on the quarterback situation at Tech and how he fits in: "The coaches talked about Pat's situation, how he is deciding between going pro or staying another season. Either way it goes it's a great situation for me and a great system fit for my style of play within their offense. I feel like I can compete for a starting role if he leaves, but can also sit behind and learn from a Heisman level quarterback if he does come back next season. Like I mentioned, it's a great situation either way."
The story: Hines has one of the more interesting recruiting stories you'll ever hear. He was initially offered by Tech back in May but decided he wasn't interested in the Red Raiders at that point. However, OC Eric Morris made the trip out to see Hines again recently, extending the offer yet again, this time Hines accepting and deciding to sign with Tech.
Why Tech? There's clearly an opportunity to earn a starting job on the offensive line, specifically because Baylen Brown graduated and at least one other spot, likely at guard, is still up for grabs. Whether it be at guard or tackle, the Red Raiders have a need. Hines was also struck positively by the fact that Tech would try and recruit him a second time. That really meant something.
Hines on the opportunity Tech presents him: "(Coach Morris) was just telling me the need that they have on the offensive line at the guard and tackle spots – specifically left guard and left tackle. He felt personally and said coach Hays felt the same way, that I could go in there and fill one of those roles. I can step in and be a guy who receives some playing time this upcoming season.”
The story: After graduating two seniors who leave an extremely young corps of players at linebacker behind, position coach Zac Spavital and DC David Gibbs knew they'd have to find a junior college player to bring some maturity and talent to the unit. Enter Tony Jones. Jones has been Tech's top JUCO linebacker target from day one, and that lengthy recruitment paid off.
Why Tech? As mentioned, there's a clear opportunity to not only come in but start right away for Jones. He's a physical, aggressive, and decisive linebacker, something the Red Raiders clearly need more of. This one was a no-brainer for both parties.
Jones on bonding with the Texas Tech coaches: “The coaches. I didn’t just bond with one or two, the whole coaching staff showed me an excellent time. I felt like this is a place where you come to work, and they genuinely care about you.”
The Story: The college coaching community is undoubtedly a very tight knit circle, and that extends to the relationship between coaches at the FBS and JUCO levels. Defensive backs coach Karl Scott was once on staff elsewhere with a current Gulf Coast Community College assistant, who then led Scott to Vaughnte Dorsey. Dorsey fit a need at safety, and here we are.
Why Tech? Dorsey visited Lubbock two weeks ago and absolutely loved everything about Texas Tech and the city itself. He comes in with a good opportunity as a veteran to start at safety or nickel right away, another addition to the appeal for the DB.
Dorsey on what he brings to the table for the Red Raiders: “I believe that I’m the type of guy who will bring aggression and a motor. I’m not going to stop. I feel like I also bring some leadership. I feel like those three traits are what they saw in me, what they hope to get out of me, and hope I can bring those things to Texas Tech.”
The story: Texas Tech knew they were going to be in need of some talented corners heading into 2017 considering that both starters and a handful of role players are all gone due to graduation, leaving a very, very young - but solid - core in their wake. Tech had an inkling of their need for age at corner last spring when they began recruiting Morgan. Morgan is arguably one of the very best corners in junior college, and the Red Raiders made sure to make that known to Morgan leading up to his visit to Lubbock last week.
Why Tech? Again, as stated, Tech is in dire need of a player that can potentially be an All Big 12 corner, especially considering the talent at receiver they face on a weekly basis. Morgan fits that need right away. It also helps that former Butler teammate Mych Thomas is already a nose tackle at Tech, and current Butler teammate Tony Jones committed to play for the Red and Black as well.
On former Butler teammate Mych Thomas being at Tech: "It was very helpful having someone I knew and someone that I had played with showing me around (on my visit). He knows the JUCO ranks and knows what it's like to transition from Butler to Texas Tech, so I really enjoyed spending time with him."
The story: This isn't the first go around between Lane and the Red Raiders. In fact, he became a primary target for Tech in the 2015 recruiting cycle while committed to Oklahoma State. He was listening, too. However, an off the field issue forced Lane to end up in junior college, opening him back up for another recruiting cycle in 2017 once he straightened things out.
Why Tech? There's obviously a pretty tight knit relationship built in from Lane's high school recruitment by Tech. That relationship starts with defensive coordinator David Gibbs, who Lane is a big fan of. Now, with a ton of need for depth - and possibly a starter or two - in the secondary at Tech, it makes sense that Lane would flip from Oregon State on signing day to head back home to the state of Texas.