We alluded to this prospect in The Board earlier today, but have since had the opportunity to speak with Bolingbrook (Illinois) defensive tackle Dashaun Mallory.
The Texas Tech coaches are beginning to show interest and Mallory is listening.
"Coach Jamison from Texas Tech has been reaching out lately," Mallory said. "He basically wanted to know more about me, so we talked about my current height and weight, what schools I have visited or plan to visit. He really just wanted to know more about my recruitment and where I stood in terms of a decision.
"The Tech coaches were watching tape and really liked my senior highlights. Coach Jamison is looking for another versatile defensive lineman for their 2018 class. He likes how I can play inside or outside on the line, how my coaches use me to rush the edge and stop the run up the middle."
At this point, the relationship is very new and Mallory expects to hear more from the Texas Tech coaches after the bowl game this weekend.
"I know they have a bowl game this weekend, so we weren't able to talk very much this week," Mallory said. "I plan on signing in February and my recruitment is still open. Texas Tech is the only new program to start showing interest lately.
"I don't know a lot about Texas Tech specifically, but I do know that the state of Texas has a different level of football. The Big 12 conference has several good teams, there are a lot of talented players in that league too. I would be interested in learning more about the opportunity."
The 6-foot-3, 290-pound prospect holds over 10 offers from programs across the country and already has two official visits planned for next month.
"I have official visits setup to Michigan State and Toledo," Mallory said. "For now, those are my visits for January. I will have one open weekend or could change other plans, it all depends. I might start talking with Coach Jamison again and schedule a visit, but we haven't had that conversation yet."
Currently rated a 5.6 three-star prospect, Mallory is the No. 42 overall defensive tackle prospect in the nation and the No. 12 overall prospect on the Rivals.com Illinois Top 30 for the 2018 class.
Our take: It sounds like the relationship and proximity with Michigan State is going to be difficult to overcome, but it also sounded like Mallory was interested in the culture and program at Texas Tech. I believe the coaches will get back into the swing of recruiting once the bowl game and Christmas have passed.
The Texas Tech coaches are beginning to show interest and Mallory is listening.
"Coach Jamison from Texas Tech has been reaching out lately," Mallory said. "He basically wanted to know more about me, so we talked about my current height and weight, what schools I have visited or plan to visit. He really just wanted to know more about my recruitment and where I stood in terms of a decision.
"The Tech coaches were watching tape and really liked my senior highlights. Coach Jamison is looking for another versatile defensive lineman for their 2018 class. He likes how I can play inside or outside on the line, how my coaches use me to rush the edge and stop the run up the middle."
At this point, the relationship is very new and Mallory expects to hear more from the Texas Tech coaches after the bowl game this weekend.
"I know they have a bowl game this weekend, so we weren't able to talk very much this week," Mallory said. "I plan on signing in February and my recruitment is still open. Texas Tech is the only new program to start showing interest lately.
"I don't know a lot about Texas Tech specifically, but I do know that the state of Texas has a different level of football. The Big 12 conference has several good teams, there are a lot of talented players in that league too. I would be interested in learning more about the opportunity."
The 6-foot-3, 290-pound prospect holds over 10 offers from programs across the country and already has two official visits planned for next month.
"I have official visits setup to Michigan State and Toledo," Mallory said. "For now, those are my visits for January. I will have one open weekend or could change other plans, it all depends. I might start talking with Coach Jamison again and schedule a visit, but we haven't had that conversation yet."
Currently rated a 5.6 three-star prospect, Mallory is the No. 42 overall defensive tackle prospect in the nation and the No. 12 overall prospect on the Rivals.com Illinois Top 30 for the 2018 class.
Our take: It sounds like the relationship and proximity with Michigan State is going to be difficult to overcome, but it also sounded like Mallory was interested in the culture and program at Texas Tech. I believe the coaches will get back into the swing of recruiting once the bowl game and Christmas have passed.
