Possible Red Raiders: A Weekly Recruiting Update - 12/3/13

Brandon Thorpe - Defensive End (Highland CC, Highland, KS)

Height: 6'5" Weight: 275 lbs 40 Time: 4.9 Bench: 315 lbs

Ratings: NR by 247 / NR by ESPN / 5.5 by Rivals

Interest: West Virginia* (Cool), Texas Tech (Cool), USF (Cool), UAB (Cool)

There is no denying that Texas Tech will need some DL help next year when a majority of the leaves next year. We would be set, but the players looking to take over those positions left before the season started. Which brings us to Brandon Thorpe. I couldn't find Thorpe's high schools profiles (don't know if he has any), but in college he has gained attentions from some smaller programs, and some average programs. This week he will be taking an official visit to West Virginia, his only one thus far. Unfortunately, Texas Tech doesn't have any remaining games, so the only way to convince Brandon of choosing Tech is through persuasion. The thing I enjoyed the most about his film is his hard hits on players. He delivers blows to the opposing team, which usually leads to turnovers for the opposition. He can keep his ground and uses his hands to maneuver offensive linemen to get to the position he wants. Also his speed is good for a linemen his size, which helps him on going through B and even A gap. One downfall I believe is that he's so strong and hits so powerful, that his form tackling could use some work. I think if he's coached up right, this recruit has the measurables to be a good college Defensive End.

DeVonte Thornton - Small Forward (Gordon College, Barnesville, GA)

Height: 6'8" Weight: 200 lbs

Ratings: 82 by 247(HS) / NR by ESPN (HS) / NR by Rivals (NR in HS)

Interest: Texas Tech (Cool), Tennessee Tech (HS), Georgia State (HS), Jackson (HS)

This recruit has hit the recruiting landscape pretty recently, so not a lot of profiles are out on him. However, the teams listed above and FAU, who ended up signing him, were interested in him. He was an 82 in high school when he was signed too a freshmen filled FAU class that included some other good names like Stefan Moody, who left due to academics. DeVonte Thornton left because of personal reasons, which was followed by academic failures of Moody and transfers of the other two freshmen of the class. He recently has gained attention due to the fact he is 10th in scoring (22.8 ppg) and 11th in rebounding (11.2 rpg) in the NJCAA. That is what has caused coaches like Tubby Smith to be interested in this kid. The only film so far for DeVonte is his junior highlights, which consists of a few dunks and steals (not really that impressive if you ask me). However, I found bits of other videos where DeVonte throws down big time dunks. There's not really any film of him shooting the ball or playing defense. However, he is averaging 61.9% FG percentage, with only a 27% 3-point FG percentage. If Thornton were to come to Tech however, most likely he would most likely play in the paint. More information to come when given.

Here are some other updates:

Football 2014:

• Terrell Clinkscales, 96 rated JUCO DT, committed to Nebraska Sunday on twitter. Terrell visited Nebraska last weekend and apparently liked it enough up there to commit to Nebraska before even visiting Tech. This leaves Tech with one less option at DL
• Zaycoven Henderson, 89 rated DT from Longview, will be making his commitment December 9th. His options are down to Texas, Texas Tech and Baylor. I believe Tech will finish short of Texas, who already has a Longview commit and visited Zaycoven during his playoff game on Saturday.
• Sebastian Tretola, 86 rated JUCO OL, will visit Arkansas on the weekend of the 13th. He already has official visits to Oklahoma, Tech and USF, and is including a couple more schools before deciding.
• Trey Lealaimatafao, 89 rated DT from San Antonio, has official visits for UCLA (Nov. 23), Arizona State (Nov. 30) and Texas (Dec 13). Tech looks like they aren't going to be in the race for Trey, which is a shame considering the DL situation.
• Vincent Jackson Jr, 83 rated LB from Tampa Bay, has made his decision and will sign on National Signing Day come February 5th from Twitter. He hasn't announced his decision, but it is already made. Has a huge offer list.
• Dominique Robertson, 85 rated JUCO OL, has sceduled an official visit with Texas Tech this weekend. His only official visits thus far are Tech's this week and Kansas State the following week.
• Payton Hendrix, 86 rated S from Dallas, will be visiting Texas Tech this weekend also. His only other official visits were to Norte Dame two months ago and Arkansas in two weeks. Could this mean Tech gets a 7th DB or would one lose a scholarship?
• Sam Akoe, NR JUCO LB, will be visiting Tech next weekend. He recently has gotten on Tech's radar and is already has visits for Cal and Fresno State.
• Keyon Dilosa, 82 rated ATH from Round Rock, will be visiting BYU next weekend. He is listed at Tech's top target on 247, but with 5 WRs committed to Tech, his pick-up seems unlikely
• Rika Levi, 89 rated JUCO DT, will be visiting Texas Tech next week also. With the decommitment of Ivan Thomas and Owen Williams, and eligibility of several senior DTs, Defensive Tackle is a big need for the Red Raiders.
• Kenny Iloka, NR JUCO S, is getting a visit from the Texas Tech soon. He already has a visit from A&M and his brother is the Starting SS for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Football 2015+:

• Ronald Jones II, 89 rated RB from McKinney, got his first official offer from the Red Raiders 2 weeks ago. This Thanksgiving he down the Austin to see us and Texas play. Right now Texas hasn't offered, while Colorado State and Oregon State have.