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Recruiting on the South Plains | 2014 OL Deionte Noel Commits to Texas Tech

No one knows Cibolo Steele offensive lineman Deionte Neal better than probably Texas Tech running back coach Mike Jinks. Jinks was Steele's former head coach and now that hire from Kliff Kingsbury is starting pay dividends.

The guy in the yellow is Noel Hunt.
The guy in the yellow is Noel Hunt.
Clive Mason

PLAYER: Deionte Noel

POSITION: Offensive Guard
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 300
FORTY: N/A
HIGH SCHOOL: Steele (Cibolo, TX)
VIDEO: Clip 1
RECRUITING SERVICES: Rivals 5.4 | Scout N/R | ESPN N/R | 24/7 Sports 82
CUMULATIVE RANKING: 0.8206
VTM PROFILE DATE: April 17, 2013

OFFERS | It is still early in the process, but Noel had offers from Rice and Houston in addition to Texas Tech. It always makes me feel better when Rice offers for some reason.

STATS | None that I could find.

THE PLAYER SPEAKS | The LAJ talked with Noel and here are his quotes, emphasizing the relationship with Jinks:

"I committed to Texas Tech just a few minutes ago," Noel said shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday. "(Running backs) Coach (Mike) Jinks and my offensive line coach sat down with me, my mom and my grandpa, and I committed. I love Texas Tech. It was already one of my favorite colleges. I love the program and the coaching staff, and I’ll have the opportunity to pursue radiology. I’m ready to be a Red Raider."

Noel also talked about how he'll likely head to a redshirt and that seems appropriate:

"I got to talk to (offensive line) coach Lee Hays and (Kliff) Kingsbury both," Noel said. "Coach Hays basically said he wants to redshirt me, but at the position I’m at, guard, I might have to go in early. But I have to do what I have to do. (Kinsgbury) has created a lot of excitement. Even when I’m around the stores, people are just lining up to talk to me about Kingbury this, Kingsbury that. There’s a lot of excitement around the whole town and it got me more excited."

SCOUTING REPORT | I think that Noel is raw. Really raw, but he's got some really nice athleticism and there really isn't anyone that knows what Noel has to offer more than Jinks. That's also comforting. There are times where he gets a bit vertical, but when he stays low, he's really good, especially in space. I am positive that when Noel gets more consistent he's going to be really tough to handle, but that takes time.

I also recall someone saying that when high school teammate Justin Stockton committed earlier in the year that someone needed to sign up that offensive line as it was amazing that Steele was able to rush for so many yards. I think that Noel is the best offensive lineman on that team. So there you go.


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