Texas Tech Football Recruiting signs class - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) Texas Tech released the following statement this afternoon following the national signing day:

FOOTBALL SIGNS HIGHEST RATED RECRUITING CLASS IN SCHOOL HISTORY

Tommy Tuberville's first full recruiting class makes history

LUBBOCK, Texas – Tommy Tuberville just added another major accomplishment to his history making debut as head football coach – the top signing class in Texas Tech history.

"This is a great group of young men that are all excited to become a Texas Tech Red Raider," said Tuberville.  "I want to thank my coaching staff for a tremendous job of selling all the great things about Texas Tech, Lubbock and our football program.  It was a total team effort to get this group together and I think we have laid a strong foundation for the future of Red Raider Football."

Texas Tech has signed 27 student-athletes, including six who enrolled in January, and this year's group has been ranked as the 18^18th best recruiting class in the nation by Scout.com and No. 19 by Rivals.com.  Prior to today, the highest rated recruiting class in school history came back in 2006 when the Red Raiders earned a national No. 25 rating.

Along with the No. 18/19 national rankings, comes an even bigger honor as Scout.com has named Tech's running backs class as the No. 1 group in the country (also a first in school history).  Offensively, the Red Raiders also rank in the Top 15, according to Scout, in the wide receivers/tight ends (No. 11) group and offensive linemen (No. 14).  Defensively, Rivals.com has the class of defensive ends ranked as the sixth best in the nation.

ALPHABETICAL ROSTER

Name                                                Pos.             Ht.          Wt.              Hometown (Previous School)

Jace Amaro                                     TE                 6-5          237               San Antonio (MacArthur)

**Michael Brewer                       QB                6-1          175               Lake Travis (Lake Travis)

LeRaven Clark                                OL                 6-6          275               Rockdale (Rockdale)

Justin Cooper                                LB                 6-1          205               Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (University)

**Ronnie Daniels                         ATH              6-1          195               Albuquerque, N.M. (La Cueva)

**Blake Dees                                LB                 6-1          234               Spanish Fort, Ala. (Spanish Fort)

**Derek Edwards                        WR               6-1          163               Brenham (Brenham)

Sam Eguavoen                              LB                 6-2          220               Garland (Lakeview Centennial)

Kindred Evans                               DE                 6-6          215               Grand Prairie (South Grand Prairie)

JJ Gaines                                          DB                5-11       175               Irving (Nimitz)

Jakeem Grant                                WR               5-8          157               Mesquite (Horn)

Desimon Green                            LB                 6-5          230               Clairton, Pa. (Clairton)

Branden Jackson                          LB                 6-4          220               McKeesport, Pa. (McKeesport)

**Marcus Kennard                     WR               6-4          185               Lawton, Okla. (Butler C.C.)

Leon Mackey                                 DE                 6-5          260               Chatham, Va. (Hinds J.C.)

Bradley Marquez                         RB/WR        5-11       173               Odessa (Odessa)

Tony Morales                                OL                 6-3          300               Arlington (Sam Houston)

Alfredo Morales                           OL                 6-3          287               Arlington (Sam Houston)

Donte Phillips                                DL                 6-2          255               Mequon, Wis. (Homestead)

**Jeremy Reynolds                    DB                5-9          163               Greensboro, N.C. (Dudley)

LaDarrin Robertson                     ATH              6-3          215               Longview (Longview)

Cooper Washington                    DE                 6-4          225               Muleshoe (Muleshoe)

DeAndre Washington                RB                 5-9          183               Missouri City (Ft. Bend Marshall)

Dennell Wesley                            DL                 6-2          310               St. Augustine, Fla. (Butler C.C.)

Kenny Williams                             RB                 5-10       206               Pflugerville (Hendrickson)

Matt Wilson                                   OL                 6-7          270               Coldspring (Oakhurst)

Otis Wright                                     ATH              6-0          185               Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard)

 

** = enrolled in January

 

CLASS BREAKDOWN

By Position

Offense: 12 (1 QB, 2 RB, 1 RB/WR, 3 WR, 4 OL, 1 TE)

Defense: 12 (2 DL, 3 DE, 5 LB, 2 DB)

Athletes: 3

 

By State

Alabama: 1

Texas: 16

Florida: 3

New Mexico: 1

North Carolina: 1

Oklahoma: 1

Pennsylvania: 2

Virginia: 1

Wisconsin: 1

 

PLAYER BREAKDOWN

Jace Amaro, Tight End, San Antonio (MacArthur)

6-5/237

A four-star prospect by both Rivals and Scout … ranks No. 52 in the Rivals Top 100 … named to USA Today's First-Team All-American squad … member of Dave Campbell's Top 300 and ranked in the Top five for tight ends … PrepStar All-American … No. 23 on Superprep Texas 120 … No. 12 Superprep All-America Tight End … ranked as the No. 3 tight end in the country by Rivals … Prep Star All-American … Honorable Mention All-State selection … First-Team All-Area … First-Team District 26-5A … as a senior he hauled in 56 receptions for 881 yards along with 11 touchdowns.

 

"Jace (Amaro) will be one of the missing links to our offense and will provide something we did not have in our first season.  He will be one the first true tight ends signed here in the last 10 years and is one of the best in the country."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Michael Brewer, Quarterback, Lake Travis (Lake Travis)

6-1/175

A three-star prospect by Rivals.com and ranked as the No. 43 best player (12^th ranked dual-threat quarterback) in Texas … member of Texas Football Top 300 …PrepStar Top 150 Dream Team … No. 54 on Superprep Texas 120 … a dual-threat quarterback with good speed and an excellent arm …. was part of four consecutive state championship teams at Lake Travis High School… as a senior he threw for 2,865 yards despite missing games due to an injury … averaged 220 yards-per-game and tossed 26 touchdown passes … as a junior the threw for 4,437 yards along with 41 touchdown passes … a dual-threat player, he rushed for 593 yards as a junior and 743 yards his senior season.

 

"Michael is a winner.  He only lost one game in high school and was a part of four state championship teams.  He played in a college offense in high school and knows the system inside and out.  He has a very quick release and runs really well."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

LeRaven Clark, Offensive Line, Rockdale (Rockdale)

6-6/275

Four-star prospect by Scout … three-star by Rivals and ESPN.com … PrepStar All-Midlands team … No. 24 on Superprep Texas 120 … No. 37 Superprep All-America Offensive Lineman …  earned District 23-3A honors on both the offensive and defensive lines his junior and senior years … named Under Armour All-American.

 

"Has grown from about 230 pounds last June to 275 right now and really looks like a guy with first-round NFL potential."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Justin Cooper, Linebacker, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (University)

6-1/205

Three-star prospect by Rivals … notched 61 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions his senior year … named the team's defensive MVP twice during his four-year career.

 

"A three-sport athlete that they call the ‘ultimate competitor' because of how hard that he works.  He will add quality depth and competitiveness to the core of our defense."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

 

Ronnie Daniels, Athlete, Albuquerque, N.M. (La Cueva)

6-1/195

Three-start prospect by both Scout and Rivals … ranked as the fourth best player in the state of New Mexico by Rivals … named the Offensive Player of the Year by PrepNewMexico.com … PrepStar All-Midlands team … owns the New Mexico state records for career touchdowns and career rushing yards.

 

"An all-around athlete that was the Gatorade Player of the Year in New Mexico in both football and basketball.  Has good vision and patience with the ball."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Blake Dees, Linebacker, Spanish Fort, Ala. (Spanish Fort)

6-1/234

A three-star  linebacker (Rivals.com) from Spanish Fort High School in Spanish Fort, Alabama … No. 39 prospect in the state of Alabama … PrepStar All-Southeast team … selected to the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game … helped lead his high school to its first state championship with a win over Briarwood Christian … in the championship game, he led the defense with seven tackles.

 

"Will probably play MIKE linebacker for us.  He is a strong, physical inside player that tackles very well.  Has the ability to be the quarterback of our defense."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Derek Edwards, Wide Receiver, Brenham (Brenham)

6-1/163

A four-star prospect by Rivals … three-star by Scout and ESPN.com … No. 33 wide receiver in the nation (Rivals) … No. 39 player in Texas according to Rivals … caught 97 passes for 1,389 yards and 14 touchdowns while at Brenham High School … 58 receptions for 814 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2009 … helped lead his high school to the Class 4A Division II state championship game in 2009 … medaled twice in the state track and field meet, placing third in high jump in 2010 and second in triple jump in 2009.

 

"A very explosive receiver with a great burst that will add a big play threat to our offense."  - Tommy Tuberville

Sam Eguavoen, Linebacker, Garland (Lakeview Centennial)

6-2/220

Three-star prospect by Rivals and ESPN.com … Second-Team District 10-5A … posted 118 total tackles as a senior with 64 solo and 55 assisted … logged four sacks, one interception, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

 

"Fast, athletic outside linebacker that is a good blitzer off the edge.  Has good cover skills and is a starter on the state's top-ranked basketball team."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Kindred Evans, Defensive End, Grand Prairie (South Grand Prairie)

6-6/215

Three-star prospect by Rivals, Scout and ESPN.com … ranked as the No. 27 weakside defensive end in the nation according to Rivals … member of the Dave Campbell's Texas Top 300 and a Top 25 defensive lineman … PrepStar All-Midlands team … named to Team NUC in the All-World Gridiron Classic … First-Team All-District 5-5A.

 

"A tremendous pass rusher that plays with great leverage.  He is a very intelligent player and makes good, sound decisions."  - Tommy Tuberville

JJ Gaines, Defensive Back, Irving (Nimitz)

5-11/175

Three-star prospect by Rivals, Scout and ESPN.com … member of Dave Campbell's Top 300 … as a senior he posted 31 total tackles (19 solo and 12 assisted) … notched three interceptions, two blocked field goals, three pass deflections and one fumble recovery … 51 receptions for 762 receiving yards and nine touchdowns ... rushed for 192 yards on 28 carries and one touchdown … logged seven returns for 130 yards … as a junior he was an all-district quarterback and passed for 1,483 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for 647 yards and three TD's.

 

"A very athletic cornerback that played quarterback in high school.  A very intelligent player."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Jakeem Grant, Wide Receiver, Mesquite (Horn)

5-8/157

A three-star prospect by Rivals and ESPN.com … was a First-Team Dallas Morning News SportsDay All-Area selection … PrepStar All-Midlands team … as a senior he posted 516 rushing yards on 66 carries and nine touchdowns … logged 1,306 receiving yards on 79 receptions and hauled in 13 touchdown catches.

 

"Jakeem is super fast and one of the fastest players in the state of Texas.  He is coming off a great senior year and is someone who can make you miss in space.  He ran this offense in high school so he should hit the ground here at Texas Tech full force."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Desimon Green, Linebacker, Clairton, Pa. (Clairton)

6-5/230

Three-star prospect by Rivals, Scout and ESPN.com … ranked as the No. 30 player in the state of Pennsylvania according to Rivals … 2010 Class A First-Team All-State selection … member of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 Team … Player of the Year by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review … as a senior he passed for 1,900 yards, rushed for 700 and accounted for 43 touchdowns … as a junior he compiled 1,600 passing yards, 900 rushing yards and 87 tackles (27 for a loss).

 

"Desimon is a very aggressive, intelligent and tough player.  He is an outstanding pass rusher that has also played quarterback, so he has a very solid knowledge of the position and will be a great defensive end for us."   - Tommy Tuberville

 

Branden Jackson, Linebacker, McKeesport, Pa. (McKeesport)

6-4/220

Four-star prospect by Scout … three-star by Rivals and ESPN.com … ranked by Rivals as the No. 29 strongside defensive end nationally … ranked by Scout as the No. 9 outside linebacker in the nation … tabbed by ESPN.com as the No. 40 outside linebacker … PrepStar All-East team … No. 13 on Superprep Pennsylvania 32 … No. 51 Superprep All-America Defensive Lineman … two-sport star at McKeesport High School as he averages 11 points per-game on the hardwood.

 

"Has outstanding athletic abilities and can play either outside linebacker or defensive end for us.  Very athletics with playmaking abilities."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

 

 

Marcus Kennard, Wide Receiver, Lawton, Okla. (Butler Community College)

6-4/185

A four-star prospect by Rivals … one of the top junior college wide receivers in the country with an excellent vertical leap … led the Butler County Grizzlies this season with 45 receptions and 893 receiving yards … averaged 74.4 yards per-game and 19.8 yards per-catch … piled up 13 touchdown receptions and led the team in scoring with 80 points … was a First-Team All-Jayhawk Conference selection … PrepStar All-Midlands team … No. 12 on the Superprep JUCO Top 100.

 

"A long, big target receiver that has great hands.  He runs very well for a tall receiver and will make an immediate impact on our offense."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Leon Mackey, Defensive End, Chatham, Va. (Hinds Junior College)

6-5/260

Four-star prospect by Rivals …. Three-star by Scout … No. 8 on Superprep JUCO Top 100

 

"Very aggressive player with an NFL body and NFL potential."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Bradley Marquez, Running Back/Wide Receiver, Odessa (Odessa)

5-11/173

A four-star prospect by Scout … three-star by Rivals … one of the premier running backs in the state with a No. 29 national ranking according to Rivals … Dave Campbell's Top 300 Players …PrepStar All-American …  turned heads all across the state during his senior year with eye catching stats such as 2,210 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns … averaged 9.6 yards per-carry over a total of 231 attempts … rushed for 1,743 as a sophomore … became Odessa High's all-time leading rusher, passing Bryon Townsend with 3,250 career rushing yards … a two-sport athlete who has generated a lot of attention for his baseball talents … Second-Team All-State in Class 5A his senior season.

 

"An explosive runner that has game-breaking speed.  "Was clocked at 4.3 this summer and has the ability to make people miss."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Tony Morales, Offensive Line, Arlington, (Sam Houston)

6-3/300

A four-star prospect by both Rivals and Scout … three-star by ESPN.com … ranked as the No. 3 center in the nation according to Scout and the No. 5 center nationally by Rivals … No. 4 pass blocking lineman nationally by Rivals … No. 37 on Superprep Texas 120 … named a starter at left guard for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl … member of Dave Campbell's Top 300 and Top 25 offensive line … PrepStar All-American … First-Team District 4-5A … twin brother Alfredo also signed with Texas Tech.

 

"One of the most physical offensive lineman that you will see.  A hard-nosed player that we think will be a mainstay at the center position for four years after Justin Keown." - Tommy Tuberville

 

Alfredo Morales, Offensive Line, Arlington (Sam Houston)

6-3/287

Three-star prospect by Rivals, Scout and ESPN.com … the No. 18 offensive guard nationally by Rivals … member of the Dave Campbell's Top 300 … PrepStar All-Midlands team … No. 113 on Superprep Texas 120 … First-Team District 4-5A … twin brother Tony also signed with Texas Tech.

 

"Just like his brother, he is extremely physical and very smart.  He can easily play right alongside his brother for four years." - Tommy Tuberville

 

Donte Phillips, Defensive Line, Mequon, Wis. (Homestead)

6-2/255

Three-star prospect by Scout … two-star by Rivals and ESPN.com … ranked as the No. 13 player in Wisconsin by Rivals … First-Team All-State selection in 2010.

 

"Donte is a good football player with a lot of potential.  He's a versatile athlete that has played both linebacker and defensive end."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Jeremy Reynolds, Defensive Back, Greensboro, N.C. (Dudley)

5-9/163

A three-star prospect by Rivals and ESPN.com …  No. 64 cornerback according to ESPN.com ... was one of nine North Carolina players invited to play in the 2010 U.S. Army National Combine for Football Underclassmen in San Antonio … a 2009 U100 Southeast Dodie Donnell award winner … was a 2009 METRO all Conference Player … participated in first ever All World Gridiron Classic … participated in the Top Prospect Camp and placed second among the DB's.

 

"Has great quickness and cover skills and is an electrifying player.  Very physical player that can move with ease."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

LaDarrin Robertson, Athlete, Longview (Longview)

6-3/215

Three-star prospect by Rivals, Scout and ESPN.com … earned both All-State and District 11-5A accolades in 2010 … passed for 1,559 yards and touchdowns while rushing for 1,159 yards and 13 TD's.

 

"Tremendous athlete that played quarterback on a state semifinal team.  Will play strong safety, outside linebacker or outside receiver.  He is a big, strong athlete that is versatile."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Cooper Washington, Defensive End, Muleshoe (Muleshoe)

6-4/225

Three-star prospect by Rivals, Scout and ESPN.com … ranked by Rivals as the No. 64 player in the state of Texas … member of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Texas' Top 100 … 2010 All-West Texas selection …. Class AA Defensive Player of the Year by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal … Honorable Mention AP All-State  … named the Built Ford Tough Texas Player of the Week in early November … named the District 1-2A Offensive Most Valuable Player in 2010 after throwing for 1,947 and 27 touchdowns during the regular season as the Mules quarterback … defensively he racked up 52 tackles, including 14 for a loss, six sacks, 17 quarterback hurries, one force fumble and an interception.

 

"A very athletic player who runs great and plays with a great motor.  He is a long and rangy defender that will fit in well with our scheme."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

DeAndre Washington, Running Back, Missouri City (Fort Bend Marshall)

5-9/183

A four-star prospect by Scout … three-star by Rivals … member of Texas Football Magazine's Top 300 and Top 30 running backs …. PrepStar All-American … No. 58 Superprep Texas 120 … ranked nationally as the No. 26 running back in this year's class … exploded for 1,378 rushing yards as a senior on 192 attempts … crossed the goal line 20 times in 2010 and ended the season with an average of 7.2 yards-per-carry.

 

"DeAndre is an exceptional athlete with an unlimited skill-set. He's capable of making big plays in a variety of ways with his speed, elusiveness in the open field, and ability to make you miss. He is a threat to score every time he touches the ball." - Tommy Tuberville

 

Dennell Wesley, Defensive Line, St. Augustine, Fla. (Butler Community College)

6-2/310

Three-star prospect by Rivals … accounted for 52 total tackles last season along with 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.

 

"Big, physical player that will be either a three-technique or shade.  Very powerful guy that demands a double team and is extremely physical at the point of attack."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Kenny Williams, Running Back, Pflugerville (Hendrickson)

5-10/206

A four-star prospect by both Rivals and Scout … ranked nationally by Rivals as the 17^th best running back in the 2011 class … PrepStar All-American … No. 21 on Superprep Texas 120 … No. 23 Superprep All-America Running Back … known for his size and strength but clocked at an impressive 4.48 in the 40 … named second-team All-State in Class 4A … ran for 1,373 yards on 179 attempts his senior season while scoring 13 touchdowns and averaging 7.7 yards-per-carry … as a junior, he ran for 1,714 yards on 174 attempts (9.0 yards-per-carry) and 20 touchdowns … selected to participate in the 2011 Team USA vs. The World game set for Feb. 2 in Austin.

 

"Kenny has a great blend of power, size, and speed. He's an explosive runner, who runs with great balance and body control. He has a knack for making the first defender miss, and a tremendous tackle-breaking ability that allows him to hit the home run." - Tommy Tuberville

 

Matt Wilson, Offensive Line, Coldspring (Oakhurst)

6-7/270

Three-star prospect by both Rivals and Scout … earned First-Team District 22-3A honors his senior season.

 

"A very athletic and physical player that is around 260 pounds right now.  After some time with Joe Walker and our strength staff we think he can grow into a special player and do a lot of great things down the road."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

Otis Wright, Athlete, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard)

6-0/185

Two-star prospect by Rivals.com … expected to enroll in junior college prior to attending Texas Tech.

 

"Dynamic skill player with great speed, acceleration and quickness.  He is a very elusive athlete."  - Tommy Tuberville

 

 

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