Recruiting update: Tech lands Iowa transfer

The Texas Tech football team may have filled a key need on the 2017 roster with the commitment of Iowa RB grad transfer Derrick Mitchell Jr. earlier this week.

The running back position was a key target on the graduate transfer market and Mitchell’s commitment gives the Red Raiders another versatile option to use. Mitchell Jr. was recruited in 2013 as an athlete and his rushing and receiving yardage totals were nearly identical in his time with Iowa, indicating Kliff Kingsbury and his staff may get creative with his usage.

With that primary target secured, the staff turned to the secondary. Thomas Leggett, a JUCO safety, committed this week and will join the team for the 2017 season. The defensive backfield was obviously a priority as four offers were extended to members of the 2018 class.

Two three-star DBs, Eddie Smith from Slidell, Louisiana and Bee Jay Williamson from Mesquite, Texas, were offered in the last week. Two other unranked secondary players, Mekhi Garner from Mesquite and Shawn Preston from St. James, LA, were also offered.

The staff also went back to the Whitehouse, TX, well to offer 2019 WR Cameron Cantrell. Cantrell’s older brother Dylan will be a senior WR on the 2017 team.