Friday can only mean one thing for the discriminating Red Raider fan.
It's time for another edition of the Red Raider Confidential. The ground rules
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Gray not doing the drama thing
We called Texas Tech commitment
Joel Gray this week to get his reaction to
an online report that suggested that he was "again
interested" in UCLA. His response? Pretty simple, actually.
"What had happened was that one of the [UCLA] coaches came to my last game and
called me and said that he was at the game and that he'd heard I was committed,"
explained Gray. "Then he asked why and I told him [Tech] was just the right
place to be. Then I just told him that I hoped he didn't take it badly because
there were no hard feelings or anything. I liked UCLA a lot, they're a great
program, but Tech's just where I want to be.
"I'm 100-percent committed to Tech. I'm not bashing UCLA or anything, it's a
wonderful school and they have great things going on there, but I'm not doing
the drama thing. I'm 100-percent committed to Tech and that's that. It was just
a phone call, and I'm really wondering how they could have thought that it was
anything other than me being courteous. Like I said, I'm 100-percent to Texas
Tech, end of story."
Tech in Reese's top two?
It’s no secret that Gulf Coast
forward
Brad Reese is one of the Red Raiders' top hoops targets this year.
It’s also not a secret that Texas Tech is not the only school that has the
athletic wing high on their board.
So when Reese said the following, it really got our attention. We asked Reese a
question we commonly ask most uncommitted recruits - “If today were the day, do
you know who you would go with?” Most recruits say that it’s too close to call,
play coy, etc., but Reese, while still not 100-percent sure, told us he would at
least have it narrowed down to two.
“If I had to decide today, it would probably either be LSU or Tech,” he said. “I
don’t know which one, but if I had to decide today, that’d probably be it.”
Reese made it clear that he appreciates the love that Coach
[Chris] Beard and Coach
[Pat] Knight have shown him, and also hasn’t forgotten that
Tech was the first team to start recruiting him. He even made mention of how
impressed he was that the coaches took the time to fly a private jet all the way
from Texas to see him.
We’ll see how things pan out, but they certainly look promising for now.
Tough road ahead for Scott
When
talking to Coldspring (TX) linebacker
James Scott, it doesn’t take long for one to find out that this
prospect has not traveled down the easiest rode in his life.
“When I started playing football, one of my goals was to get a scholarship,”
said Scott. “But now that I have a son, I have even more of a motivator. That’s
helped me accomplish a lot. I just want it so bad now. Maybe not everyone has
the want to stay in it but I do. It’s easier for me to be in it and
give it my all then give up.”
James Fernal Scott, Jr. entered this world a little over a month ago. It’s
something that Scott says he is ready to handle.
“It’s a big responsibility. It makes you become a man a lot quicker then you
usually would. It’s a lot of responsibility. A lot of things have changed in my
life. It’s not too bad though. I’ve just had to mature much quicker.”
Having to mature quickly is not a bad thing for Scott, either. Being a first
generation student in his family, it will be a huge accomplishment for him to
have the opportunity to attend college, let alone for free. Especially after
many people close to him have not been able to do it, for whatever reason.
“I’m the first. That’s a real big deal. I have a lot of cousins that are great
athletes. One of them had the potential to go to college and maybe go to the
next level. It seems that they almost get there but something always has made
them fall. That’s something I look at and I use that for me to keep pushing. I
look at it as me not wanting to be another member of my family to have God-given
talent but let it go to waste. I’m going to take it to the limit and go as far
as it will take me.”
In order to get there, Scott knows that he also has to make his grades. He tells
us that last semester he was borderline, around a 2.0. But he knows the
importance of passing academically and wants everyone to know that it’s not
going to be a problem.
“Classes are my number one priority. When I’m at school, everyday after class I
will check my grades. Another goal is to get my GPA up as high as possible. I’m
shooting for higher than a 3.0. I’m trying to make all A’s this year. That’s my
goal this year. I’m pushing as hard as I can.”
With all that said, Scott knows exactly what he needs to accomplish in order for
his dreams to come true.
“My first goal is to finish high school. I’m going to graduate, get my diploma,
and get into Tech. I’m going to try as hard as I can to get a starting spot on
defense. If not, then I’ll work hard all off-season.”
A huge factor in all this is Scott’s relationship with his recruiting coach,
Tech offensive line coach
Matt
Moore. The two keep in touch often and Moore is going to encourage
Scott to stay motivated as much as he can.
“He asks me about my son and how my school is doing. I’ve met him in person with
Coach
[Ruffin] McNeill and they seem like great guys. They seem
like they’re fair coaches and they’re going to push me to the limit to help me
achieve all of my goals. Whatever it takes, that’s what they’re going to do.
"Something else I’ve been talking about with Coach Moore is about how I’m going
to take my visit on November the 1st.”
The Texas game is going to be a huge day for many fans, but it likely won’t be
as big of an experience for most as it will be for Scott and those that come
with him.
“I’m excited. I’m real excited, man. It’s going to be me and my girlfriend and
her dad and my mom. I’m real excited because I get to take my mom. She has never
gotten to experience something like this. This is what I always told her. I’m
hoping that she’s getting ready for a lot of road trips, so she can come watch
me play.”
As far as other schools interested in Scott, because of his academic issues,
there are not many. We do know that SMU has offered and Oklahoma said that they
were but didn’t because of what’s stated above.
Still, it’s normal for letters to come in from schools such as LSU, Florida,
Purdue, and more, on a regular basis.
It needs to be known that Scott is a very special talent. It’s also apparent
that if he can make it happen, he’s going to be a Red Raider.
“When I was thinking about my decision, my coach asked me if I was sure that I
wanted to go to Tech. He said that if I was sure then he wouldn’t even bother
talking to other schools. So I’m guessing he’s just letting everyone know that I
don’t even want to talk to anyone.”
Scott says that he’s only had one conversation with another school.
“I talked to a coach from Baylor a few months ago. He was just talking and he
was asking me why I wanted to go to Tech. I told him that’s where I’m going and
I told him it wasn’t going to change. I told him that I was done and that’s
where I want to be.”
So, why Tech?
“The only schools I was ever interested in were Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech.
Surrounded by those three, I just said I’d see and wait on my options. Texas
Tech called me and I was stoked for a minute because it was just like a dream
come true.
“My mom was asking me the other day if I got an offer from Texas what I would
do. I told her I’d stay at Tech because even though Texas was in the picture at
one point, Tech is first to me now.
“Now that I’m a part of the signing class for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, I know
that I’m a Red Raider now.”
Russell confirms official
When we
called Arlington (TX) point guard
Nick Russell on Thursday evening, the three-star hoops prospect was
on the move.
“I’m at the airport right now,” said Russell. “I’m headed to Iowa for a visit.
I’ve been talking to them for a while now.”
Russell has accumulated so many offers that he has lost count. With many options
to choose for his first official, why Iowa?
“I chose them to go first because I feel comfortable with them and the coaches.
I get along with them great. They have shown the most interest with me so far so
I gave them the first one.”
Could Russell be off the market after this weekend and give Iowa his commitment?
“Very slim. I’d just say that I’m not ready right now. I want to take all five
of my visits. Until then, I’m not committing anytime soon.”
Three out of the five official visits for Russell are already picked.
“Right now, I have Texas Tech on the 20th of this month. I also have UCLA
October 3rd. That’s all I have right now. I don’t have an idea of the final two
yet, I’m still deciding.”
The Red Raiders have made enough of an impact on Russell to get him to come to
Lubbock, partially because the coaching staff came to him.
“Tech came for a home visit on Wednesday night. That went real well. I like
coach Pat Knight and what he has to offer. I feel like I fit their playing style
pretty well. I want to go take a look at their school and see what’s up with
Texas Tech.”
Knight came along with assistant coach Bubba Jennings.
“It went well. They told me how I would fit in the system and they told me
things about the school, both academically and athletically. They told me where
they saw me in their program. Overall, it went very well.”
With the amount of compliments that Russell had for Tech, it appears that they
possibly gained some ground on the 6-4, 180-pound ground.
“I would say that they have after they left my house. They opened my eyes to
everything they have to offer. I learned a lot more.”
The visit to the Hub City next weekend could possibly make a huge impact on
Russell.
“I just want to look at everything. They said they have new facilities. I want
to meet the players, meet the staff, and take an all around look at the school.”
In the back of his mind, Russell is still thinking of the main factors that he
is looking for in his future school.
“I am looking for an opportunity to play as a freshman. It’s a trust factor; we
want to be able to trust each other. I also want the right fit for me and my
style.”
Take it as a huge positive that the Red Raiders have solidified a visit with
Russell. He will be at Jones AT&T Stadium for the game as part of his visit next
weekend as well.
Targets of opportunity
When Texas A&M lost at home to Arkansas
State in their season-opener (snicker), it became inevitable that teams would
begin calling the Aggies' commitments to gauge their interest in looking around.
After all, it was Arkansas State.
Well, we can confirm that at least one A&M commit has been speaking with Texas
Tech: massive three-star offensive lineman
Rhontae Scales.
"Well, just last night I got a phone call from Texas Tech," he explained earlier
this week. "Really I've been getting a lot of mail from them and all the Big 12
schools, but they called me on the first day you could call recruits. The A&M
coaches still don't know I talked to them, I'm going to have to tell them
sometime. The Tech coaches were pretty much just talking about the program and
how nice it is, how nice the facilities are. They were talking about their
offense and said they could really use me right away in their offense, so that
was nice."
Scales went on to explain that he's still committed to Texas A&M, and said that
he told Tech's coaches he would "be in touch."
At this point Scales is saying all the right things and, frankly, we believe him
when he says he's committed to A&M. That being said, he's probably leaving
himself some wiggle room. If the Aggies falter this season (which at this point
is closer to probable than possible) and Tech has a banner year, don't be
surprised if Scales begins listening intently to what Tech has to say.
Mike Davis the next Alan Voskuil?
One of the latest targets for the Red Raider basketball program is Houston (TX)
St. Pius point guard
Aaron Mike Davis. The three-star guard holds a Texas Tech offer
along with several other mid-major schools and has already taken official visits
to Navy and San Diego.
After visits to those schools, do either of them lead for his services?
“Out of those two, I’d probably favor San Diego at this point. I could see
myself there in that environment and on that campus.”
Davis will be flying from Houston to Lubbock at approximately the time this
report is published. So what have Knight and Bubba Jennings been telling the
three-star prospect?
“I know their leading scorer is leaving so they have expressed that I could come
in as a freshman if I work, but that I would definitely have the opportunity.
They want me on the wing putting up a lot of shots and I’ll have the freedom to
shoot on the wing and possibly come in as a starting two guard.”
With remaining visits scheduled to SFA and Colorado State, in addition to Tech,
what is Davis looking for in a school?
“I believe all the schools that I’m considering have good academic programs, so
really I’m just looking for the comfort level and if I could see myself on a
campus actually there playing and being part of that school. Also my
relationship with the coaches will be one of the main things I will look at.”
Davis is a very good shooter and someone that would be used most likely as a
role player coming off the bench. While he is a good player he is certainly not
the top target of the coaching staff. Because of that, the coaching staff might
move on if he does not commit this weekend.
Clark learning from Kevin Curtis
After committing to Texas
Tech in late April, Navarro Junior College safety
Ryan Clark could have taken it easy and cruised through his final
season at the junior college level. However, the preseason first-team
All-America selection trained for many hours during the offseason and all of his
hard work appears to be paying off.
“This season couldn’t be going any better. I’m playing really well at a high
level right now and my team is 2-0 so we’re good.”
Through two games the Navarro defense has only allowed 23 points and Clark is a
big reason why. The Beaumont native has accumulated 15 tackles, three pass break
ups and a sack so far this season. Clark made his name last year by intercepting
seven passes, which was good for fifth in the country, but he has not been able
to come up with any yet in 2008.
“I’ve been leaving some picks on the ground, but I’m not tripping I’m still
going to lead the country in interceptions.”
The 6-1, 195-pound defender played cornerback in high school and had to make the
transition to safety last year. Clark is having to make another transition this
year after the Navarro coaching staff switched the defense from a 4-2-5 to a
4-3.
“It’s the same ole, same ole. We ran a little bit of 4-3 last year so it isn’t
completely new,” explained Clark. “This year though my coaches have put me in a
position to make plays. I have a lot of opportunities to make a play on the ball
to catch picks and make a lot of tackles.”
Former Tech standout safety Kevin Curtis is currently coaching defensive backs
at Navarro and Clark says his coaching is making him a more well-rounded player.
“Coach Curtis has taught me how to take good angles, be physical, and not let
the ball cross my face. I’ve learned a lot from him, I’m just like a little
sponge trying to soak up everything he teaches me.
“He’s on me so hard because I’m committed to Tech and he wants to send them a
complete safety. He wants me to be the next Kevin Curtis but I tell him I’m
going to be better than him.”
Even though he is a rock solid commit to Tech, other teams are still lobbying
for his services.
“K-State is going to offer me a scholarship. Wisconsin and Georgia have been
sending me letters and I know schools are coming for me, but I’m a Red Raider.”
If all goes as planned, Clark will arrive in Lubbock on Saturday morning for his
official visit. We’ll have updates on the status of Clark throughout the day.
Premium Q&A: Aaron Mike Davis
First things, first. Some
coaches call you Aaron. Your profile says Mike. What do you really go by and
what do you prefer?
MD: (laughing) Oh, it really doesn’t matter. I go by Mike
amongst all my friends. But I’ll get phone calls from schools where coaches call
me Aaron and that’s fine. But yeah, most people know me as Mike.
How was the summer basketball season that you participated in?
MD: It was a great experience. We had a lot of young guys
come in. At first I was worried about how things were going to go but guys
bought into the system real well and they showed a lot of improvement in the
July period. We practiced well and gained a lot of respect on the circuit. It
was great that we accomplished our goals of being seen on the college recruiting
stage and it was real good.
Now, you played for the Houston Hoop Stars. What is exactly is that?
MD: Hoops Stars is an organization that develops basketball
players. It’s not an AAU platform where you play to win. It’s a training program
that gets you ready for the college program. They keep us very conditioned and
it helps us do a lot of things on the court. What we’ll do is that we have two
or three tryouts on a weekend and then a coach and his staff will come together
and pick a team. From there, there’s a spot where we go to and run hills and do
conditioning. The first couple times a week, we’ll go Tuesday and Thursday.
After that during the week, we’ll get in the gym and keep practicing. From
there, we soak it in and learn a lot. It’s a real good program to be in.
Where did you practice?
MD: Our practice facility was actually in St. Pius next year.
We have a gym there and do a lot of practices during the week. Whenever we went
on Saturdays, we went to a park and they have hills and stuff. We ran hills a
lot and did some exercises out there.
You have told us that you really excelled with the mental aspect of the game
this summer. How did that help you on the court?
MD: It helped me out a lot. In Denton, it was a tremendous
impact. The first three games, I was averaging about 33 points. The first game I
went 12 for 12. The next game I had 27 and then the third game I had 38. It
helped me out a lot. From there, the coaches would follow me throughout the last
game that was back in Houston. This summer has also picked up my stock.
Bubba Jennings is your recruiting coach for Texas Tech. What do you like
about him?
MD: He’s really funny. He’ll throw in some jokes. I really like
his personality. He’s real open. When I get up there, I know he’ll be looking
out for my best interest. He won’t just tell me I had a bad game. He’ll tell me
what I don’t want to hear- that I need to play better, need to pick it up, and
all in a positive way. He has a real good personality and is a real good guy.
How would you fit in the Texas Tech system?
MD: Coach Jennings related kind of back to the Hoop Stars to
where we get it in a transition for that shooter then he’ll run off a lot off
ball screens, back picks, and get the shooter open. It’s kind of like a motion
type offense.
Is that a positive for you? Do you like that offense?
MD: Yes, sir. I played with the Hoop Stars like that. That was
our playing style. If you got it in transition and could put a shot, then don’t
hesitate. If not, we’ll run our half court game and run off a lot of screens.
The Tech coaches saw you three times this summer. How has their persistence
compared to the other schools going after you?
MD: They’re putting in as much if not more. I talk to the SFA
guys a lot, along with San Diego. But Tech and I are real close where they
really open up to me and talk to me a lot. It’s about the same with those three
though, I would say.
Have you thought at all about the new deal with Tech and Under Armour? Is
that a factor to you at all?
MD: I know that they signed a new deal with Under Armour
and I’ve seen coach Jennings with the Tech shirt and Under Armour logo. I really
don’t pay attention to that though. I haven’t played in Under Armour besides
some shirts that you put on under your jersey. I really haven’t focused a lot on
that.
What would be your role on the Tech team?
MD: They definitely told me when I first started talking to
them that they’re going to be having a couple of their leading scorers gone.
They’ll look for me to play as soon as I can as a freshman and fill that role
for them on the wing and put up a lot of shots. I get the vibe that I have the
chance to go there and be successful in that environment on the wing and fill
that spot and have a positive aspect for the program.
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This post was edited on 9/12 7:42 AM by A. Dickens
