Texas Tech Red Raiders 2021 College Football Recruiting Class Overview
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Texas Tech is 8-14 in two years under Matt Wells after a second consecutive 4-6 season in 2020. The Red Raiders’ only wins came against Houston Baptist, West Virginia, Baylor, and Kansas. After another below-average season in 2020, this program is at a crossroads. Are they going continually to stay at the bottom of the conference or can Coach Wells helped them move towards the top?
The first step to moving upwards is gathering a good recruiting class despite being in the same state as conference rivals Texas, Baylor, and TCU, and SEC powerhouse Texas A&M. Unfortunately, the current class ranks last in the Big 12, but the Red Raiders did manage to scoop some recruits and transfers that will fill needs and potentially help this program finish a season with a winning record for the first time since 2015.
Two four-star recruits signed with the Red Raiders during the early signing period last month, quarterback Behren Morton from Eastland (TX) and wide receiver Jerand Bradley from DeSoto (TX). Two transfers that will make an immediate impact on defense by filling roles are safety Marquis Waters, a Duke transfer, and linebacker Colin Schooler, an Arizona transfer. Texas Tech currently holds a commit from defensive tackle Demeco Roland, who currently plays at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. Roland should be a force in the trenches after he signs next month.
The Red Raiders’ 2021 class ranks No. 76 nationally with 12 total commits, two four-star and nine three-star prospects.
Could 2021 be the year that Texas Tech can get back to their old winning ways or will they continue to struggle? Only time will tell.
Texas Tech Early Signees
QB Behren Morton, 6-2, 185, Eastland HS-Eastland, TX
WR Jerand Bradley, 6-5, 200, DeSoto HS-DeSoto, TX
RB Cam’Ron Valdez, 5-10, 190, Rockdale HS-Rockdale, TX
DE E’maurion Banks, 6-4, 260, Rider HS-Wichita Falls, TX
TE Jed Castles, 6-6, 215, Rider HS-Wichita Falls, TX
OT Jack Turner, 6-6, 270, Argyle HS-Argyle, TX
TE Mason Tharp, 6-7, 225, Klein HS-Spring, TX
OT Jacoby Jackson, 6-6, 320, Mansfield Summit HS-Arlington, TX
DE Charles Esters, 6-3, 230, Cedar Hill HS-Cedar Hill, TX
DE Isaac Smith, 6-5, 235, Wagoner HS-Wagnor, OK
Photo credit: The Texas Tribune; Texas Tech Head Coach Matt Wells