Recruiting on the South Plains | CB Maurice Chandler

RECRUITING ON THE SOUTH PLAINS Measurables MAURICE CHANDLER Position: CB Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 180 lbs | Forty: 4.46 High School: Lawton (Lawton, OK) DTN Profile Video: Clip 1 Rivals 5.6 | Scout ESPN 77 | 24/7 Sports N/R Cumulative Ranking: INC Offers Arizona St, Arkansas St., Kansas St., Memphis, Oregon St., Texas Tech

This actually represents really good value and I hate talking about a commitment as value, but that's what I think this is. Lawton, Oklahoma cornerback Maurice Chandler is talented enough to go to Oklahoma or just about anywhere else, but it's his grades that have held him back. Interestingly, neither OU and Oklahoma St. didn't even offer Chandler, perhaps because of his grades, but it's not for lack of talent.

The fact that grades are already being mentioned is maybe a good sign in that we all know that Chandler has to improve his grades to be accepted. It's out there. It's on Chandler and I get the feeling that because Texas Tech is giving him a chance and one of the major programs to do so, then maybe this is the motivation that Chandler needs.

Stats

According to Rivals, Chandler had 78 tackles and 5 interceptions. You can tell by watching the video below and from some of the quotes, that Chandler had multiple touchdowns by either returns or by interceptions (I'm guessing).

The Player Speaks

LAJ's Nick Kosmider spoke with Chandler and his coach. Chandler likes the Texas Tech coaches:

Chandler said his relationship with Tech's coaching staff, including assistants John Lovett and Sonny Cumbie, was one of his key factors in choosing the Red Raiders.

"These coaches really get to know you, not only as a player but a person," Chandler said. "They really make you feel welcome."

And Chandler's coach says that Chandler's speed is a game-breaker:

"The first thing that comes to mind his speed," Breeze said. "He has unbelievable quickness. He gets to full speed at first step, and then he’s a glider. When he crosses the finish line, he’s gaining speed. Unless he’s in a crowd, you don’t realize how fast he is."

More after the jump.

Scouting Report

Holy smokes. Either Chandler is incredibly fast or the entire state of Oklahoma is incredibly slow. I'll believe the former and it's amazing to watch Chandler's acceleration. Chandler's coach is absolutely right in that Chandler does have an incredible burst to the football out of the cornerback spot and when he gets going he's not going to be caught. Chandler is also a sure-tackler and when Chandler is in coverage, he's adept at looking at the receiver and then finding the ball when the receivers eyes go up. If Chandler's size is legitimate, and I have no reason to think that it is not legitimate, this gives him some serious size advantage over his high school competition.

Maurice, welcome to Texas Tech and Git Your Guns Up!

The 2013 Class

The class is rounding into shape. Waiting on some rankings for Rhodes and now Chandler, but this is quietly a very good class.