Friday can only mean one thing for the discriminating Red Raider fan: time for another edition of the Red Raider Confidential. As always, we begin this session with the ground rules. Everything that is reported in the Red Raider Confidential must stay well… confidential. That's the way this deal works. The Red Raider Confidential is posted in the premium forum to ensure that this information stays exclusively within the Raider Nation.
This will continue to be successful only if everyone helps out, so let’s all work together and keep the discussions limited to this board.
Roberson getting ready for the transition
With a lot of the basketball ’07 commitment class already accounted for and going through workouts in Lubbock this summer, what has Plano point guard John Roberson been up to?
“I’ve been working out, trying to get all my stuff ready to go to Tech,” said Roberson.
So what exactly are his plans for the rest of the summer?
“I’m going to orientation on the 26th and then I’m going to play in the Global Games and then I’m off to summer school. July 6th is when it starts.”
There might be a schedule conflict with the beginning of summer two classes and the Global Games.
“We have to figure that out because the global games are the 1st from the 8th so I think I’m going to miss school on the 6th and head up to Tech after the global games, hopefully I’ll be there by Sunday (the 8th).”
The Global Games, which are held in Dallas at SMU, showcase some of the best future collegiate talent in the world.
“The guy explained it to me as those that are going to be on my team are people from Texas and from the Big 12 so hopefully we have a pretty good team. I guess we’re going to play against Nigeria and other countries. It’s 19 and up and it’s sort of like a tournament.”
Roberson received a call from the coach of his Global Game team.
“He said he wanted me to be his point guard because he doesn’t have another one and I was the one that he picked to be on his team, so I thought that was pretty cool.”
So has the 5-foot-11, 165-pound guard been keeping in contact with any members of the Red Raider coaching staff?
“Yeah, I talked to Coach Stu (Robinson) today and he was telling me that when I came to orientation to bring all my [basketball] stuff because we’re going to be working out and playing. Al of the recruits are already there working out and playing with them, so I can’t wait to get down there.”
What’s going through Roberson’s mind as he begins to pack up his belongings and leave home for the first time?
“I’m really excited to start a new chapter of my life. I’m really excited about being able to work out with the team. I’m going to be there for four years, so I’m eager to see what’s out there. I’m a little nervous being the first time I’ve been away from my mom but I can’t wait.”
When it comes to playing time, Roberson has been through every scenario several times over in his head.
“I just want to do whatever the coaches tell me to do, that’s what I’m going to do and I’m not going to ask any questions. Hopefully I’ll play my way into the starter spot if that’s what they want me to do but it’s whatever they want me to do, I’ll do it. It doesn’t matter who starts, it matters who finishes. Hopefully I can just be on the court at the end of the game.”
How does Roberson assess his future team?
“We definitely have a lot of potential with Coach Knight being our coach. We have a lot of pieces to the puzzle that weren’t in place last year. We got Mike (Singletary) and D’walyn (Roberts) who can play different positions. We have the transfer center (Ricardo De’Bem) who can mind the boards and play multiple positions. They really didn’t have a pure point guard so hopefully I can fill that void and get everybody involved. Hopefully we can make a little run and get to the tournament.”
Agoucha reflects
There was more conversation with defensive tackle Bobby Agoucha that we wanted to share when speaking to him Wednesday night, minutes after receiving the news that he had made an 18 on his ACT.
“I put it like this - I knew it was in God’s hands, that’s what He told me. What’s supposed to happen was supposed to happen. I kept talking to Him about it and He kept telling me to have faith that it was going to happen. I started talking like “WHEN I get to school, I’m going to make it.” There were no ‘ifs’.”
Agoucha has reached a family milestone.
“Right now, I’m about to be the first person out of this family to go to college. Just graduating from high school was a big thing from me. I know right now that it’s a new life and I have to start doing things right and making the right decision. I have a family and all of my brother keep it real with me and I have a whole bunch of family that is supporting me, I have tons of love in my corner.
Attending several different high schools within a four year period, it’s been a long journey for Agoucha.
“I was not given a scholarship. I fought for a scholarship and I was a breath away from death fighting for it. I am going to show that I was worth it and that all this was worth it. I got here and I thank God for that and my family and coaches and everyone who was praying for me and all the fans out there and everybody.”
Agoucha has spent this summer with some of his family in the Metroplex.
“I’m happy I’m around my family right now for real and if it didn’t happen then I knew they’d still have support for me.”
It’s been said many times before about how important defensive tackle coach Ruffin McNeill is to Agoucha.
“Coach McNeill has my time card ready so I’m ready to clock in. I’m about to go clock in.”
Right before hanging up the phone, Agoucha said that it was now time to sit with family members and plot out his collegiate career.
“I’m going to start making my blue print from this point out. There’s a new life for me and we’re about to make up a blue print and we have to know what we have to do. I’m playing football for my family and they’re involved in everything I do. We’re going to get this in order and when I get out there, its work time. I’m going to be the most coachable guy out there and show them that, they know that. This is the greatest thing in my life.
Jones looking for love from Tech
After reading the update about Tyler Lee offensive lineman Trevius Jones, one can tell that Jones still has interest for Tech but yet is still needing to be pushed to come make a visit this summer.
We asked the 6-foot-5, 290-pound tackle if he had Tech was one of the schools he received many texts from while on a week long campout with some friends in Oklahoma:
“Actually, I haven’t really talked to them, now that I think about it. They didn’t text me. The last coach with the numbers I have is Bedenbaugh and I know that he’s not there anymore.”
New offensive line coach Matt Moore has undoubtedly a large responsibility to grasp hold rather quickly, but Tech will need to make contact with Jones within the next few weeks if they would still like to be in the mix.
“We’re deciding on narrowing down the colleges I’m going to go visit. It just depends on which ones are closer. I already planned on Colorado in late July but I’m going to visit LSU and some more places. We’re currently talking about when we’re going to go and when we’re going to get there. It might come down to distance.”
Distance is obviously not in the favor of the Red Raiders.
“Colorado have stepped it up as far as texting and all that stuff. Coach Whickline from Oklahoma State has been really aggressive, too.”
With the attention from Big 12 foes, does Tech still stand a chance with Jones?
“Yeah, I’m still keeping them in the mix. The door is open basically for any college. It’s whoever has the best hand, I guess. I’m not ruling anything out right now.”
The reality of the situation is that Jones would like to travel with his grandma, aunt, and mom, as he would like their advice and input on his collegiate decision. It will be hard for all of them to travel during the fall to games with him, plus he has stated for the last month that he’d like the decision to be done with around late August.
Tech still has a chance, as Jones indicated but should definitely not wait too much longer. We will continue to keep up with Jones weekly to see if he has heard from the Red Raiders.
Davis still hearing from other schools?
Although Tech is the only school that free safety Cody Davis has been contacting, other universities are still sending text messages and mail his way. Despite declaring his commitment to the Red Raiders last month, Baylor and Ole Miss have continued their recruitment of the popular Stephenville star. Stanford and Vanderbilt have also jumped on the Davis bandwagon as of recently as well.
“Stanford said that they are going to send me an offer but I have not received it yet.”
The Ivey League School is undoubtedly attracted to Davis not only because of his talent on the field but also because of his performance inside of the classroom, boasting a 4.72 GPA (on a four-point scale).
This summer, it’s all about 7-on-7 activities, workouts, and a little summer school. Davis says he has no intention on contacting any of the current pursuers and expect him to be in the Hub City to hang with the coaching staff some time during the month of July.
Has Tech found the Wright receiver?
When we talked to Warren, Arkansas wide receiver Jarious Wright last month, he was mainly concentrating on the offers he didn’t hold. Having six offers total, Wright was still hoping that Florida, USC, or LSU would pull the trigger. What does the 5-foot-11, 180-pound wideout have to say about his offer at this point?
“I think I’m real close to getting an offer from Florida.”
With the talented wide receiver also mentioning Arkansas and Tulsa as two schools he’s been communicating with this week, Red Raiders should rest assure that if Wright does not pay the Tech any attention, it’s surely not because a lack of effort.
Yet again, Wright admits that Tech is the most aggressive in the recruiting process.
“Coach Riley texts me several times out of the week.”
Are the text messages and letters enough to secure a future visit from the Arkansas native?
“I would think so.”
Right now, Wright is continuing to be vague about his options and says that he will wait till the fall to go on visits.
If neither of the three powerhouses listed in the first sentence offer, then look for Wright to go on most, if not all, of his official visits starting in the next few months. But we would still guess that if any of the threatening three decide they need Wright, then his recruiting process is over.
Adkins feeling good
Katy middle linebacker Blaine Adkins wants to go to Tech. It’s helps that he’s familiar with the university because of his sister attending, but the 6-foot-0, 230-pound specimen says that he’s been keeping his eyes on the Red Raiders for quite some time.
“With their defense, they have always been trying to get those better players,” said Adkins. “There’s something about it up there and I know how things worked and I thought I had a better shot up there then some other places.”
Now it’s up to the coaching staff to decide whether they feel Adkins is a Big 12 caliber player to help them get to the next level.
“I’m on a constant grind working out and getting ready. I’ve been working too because I have a job but it’s pretty much that and working out and just getting ready.”
He was most definitely ready for the first June mini-camp when Adkins’ numbers impressed.
“The recruiting coach for our area was actually down at our spring training earlier in the year and came up to me at camp. He said he remembered me and asked how it was going. Some of the other coaches were impressed with my testing and overall it was pretty good but I enjoyed that camp a lot and I really like Texas Tech, I hope I get a chance to go there.”
Even though the coaching staff might have liked what they saw from Adkins, they’ll continue to assess their current situation to see if they’ll need his services in the future.
“Today or tomorrow I’m sending out some spring highlight DVD’s to all the camps and schools I’ve gone to so hopefully they will be somewhat impressed. So far I’ve gotten some information and letters from a bunch of schools but mainly from Houston, A&M, Baylor, and a bunch more. I really haven’t gotten a lot from Texas Tech.”
Adkins will play at the division-I level somewhere, it’s yet to be seen if the Red Raiders will be the first to offer.
Slaughter likes Tech’s apparel
Blake Slaughter giving his verbal pledge to Texas Tech would certainly make Lyle Setencich's day. The defensive coordinator, who has a penchant for smart players, would love the inside linebacker, who scored well on his ACT's and has a 4.3 GPA.
However, Slaughter says that the Red Raiders are somewhat of an unknown to him at this point.
"I don't know much about Texas Tech, but I really like them," he said. "That's why I'm trying to get down there to learn more about them. I know they're not the strongest academically or anything, but I like them. If it's the place for me, I think I'll know. You know, like love at first sight."
However, there is one thing the 'backer knows about Tech.
"Their uniforms," he answered when asked what stands out about Tech. "They have the best uniforms in the country. I mean, they have the best colors and design and everything. I know they wear the all-black sometimes, which looks really good."
You can bet the coaching staff is doing all they can at this point to make sure the Missouri City native gets the chance to don the jersey he likes so much.
Doege Dominates 7-on-7
As expected, Seth Doege is blowing away the competition on the summer 7-on-7 circuit. Doege's Frenship Tigers won a qualifying tournament in the Amarillo area, and in doing so, qualified for the state tournament.
"We had three pool games and we averaged sixty points a game in those three," he explained. "We eventually beat Palo Duro in the championship game 34-27."
So how did the ever humble signal caller feel about his performance?
"I feel like I did really well. I only threw two picks all day, so that was good," he said before throwing in a typical Doege quote. "The receivers were just catching everything I threw to them."
Frenship Dominates UTEP Camp
Here are some highlights from the Frenship seniors' invasion of UTEP's one day camp last week:
• Ryan Haliburton continues to impress, running a low 4.7 forty yard dash.
• Nick Hanslik and Aaron Wampler both had good camps. Said QB Seth Doege, "I think they did really well and showed the coaches what they've got. I mean, Aaron does really well in the one-on-one's and everything, and Nick tests amazing, so I think they got their names out there."
• Frenship defensive back Ederick Wiggins, who could not attend either of Tech's camps this summer, had a good camp as well. Wiggins, who checked in at 5-foot-11, ran a 4.5 and reportedly had his way with all the receivers in one-on-ones.
To view previous installments of the Red Raider Confidential, visit the archives by clicking here[/URL].
Again, The Red Raider Confidential is a special feature for RedRaiderSports.com subscribers only. Everything that is reported in the Red Raider Confidential must stay well… confidential. That's the way this deal works. The Red Raider Confidential is posted in the premium forum to ensure that this information stays exclusively within the Raider Nation.
This will only be successful if everyone helps make it work, so let’s all work together and keep the discussions limited to this board.
Thank you all again for subscribing to RedRaiderSports.com!
This will continue to be successful only if everyone helps out, so let’s all work together and keep the discussions limited to this board.
Roberson getting ready for the transition
With a lot of the basketball ’07 commitment class already accounted for and going through workouts in Lubbock this summer, what has Plano point guard John Roberson been up to?
“I’ve been working out, trying to get all my stuff ready to go to Tech,” said Roberson.
So what exactly are his plans for the rest of the summer?
“I’m going to orientation on the 26th and then I’m going to play in the Global Games and then I’m off to summer school. July 6th is when it starts.”
There might be a schedule conflict with the beginning of summer two classes and the Global Games.
“We have to figure that out because the global games are the 1st from the 8th so I think I’m going to miss school on the 6th and head up to Tech after the global games, hopefully I’ll be there by Sunday (the 8th).”
The Global Games, which are held in Dallas at SMU, showcase some of the best future collegiate talent in the world.
“The guy explained it to me as those that are going to be on my team are people from Texas and from the Big 12 so hopefully we have a pretty good team. I guess we’re going to play against Nigeria and other countries. It’s 19 and up and it’s sort of like a tournament.”
Roberson received a call from the coach of his Global Game team.
“He said he wanted me to be his point guard because he doesn’t have another one and I was the one that he picked to be on his team, so I thought that was pretty cool.”
So has the 5-foot-11, 165-pound guard been keeping in contact with any members of the Red Raider coaching staff?
“Yeah, I talked to Coach Stu (Robinson) today and he was telling me that when I came to orientation to bring all my [basketball] stuff because we’re going to be working out and playing. Al of the recruits are already there working out and playing with them, so I can’t wait to get down there.”
What’s going through Roberson’s mind as he begins to pack up his belongings and leave home for the first time?
“I’m really excited to start a new chapter of my life. I’m really excited about being able to work out with the team. I’m going to be there for four years, so I’m eager to see what’s out there. I’m a little nervous being the first time I’ve been away from my mom but I can’t wait.”
When it comes to playing time, Roberson has been through every scenario several times over in his head.
“I just want to do whatever the coaches tell me to do, that’s what I’m going to do and I’m not going to ask any questions. Hopefully I’ll play my way into the starter spot if that’s what they want me to do but it’s whatever they want me to do, I’ll do it. It doesn’t matter who starts, it matters who finishes. Hopefully I can just be on the court at the end of the game.”
How does Roberson assess his future team?
“We definitely have a lot of potential with Coach Knight being our coach. We have a lot of pieces to the puzzle that weren’t in place last year. We got Mike (Singletary) and D’walyn (Roberts) who can play different positions. We have the transfer center (Ricardo De’Bem) who can mind the boards and play multiple positions. They really didn’t have a pure point guard so hopefully I can fill that void and get everybody involved. Hopefully we can make a little run and get to the tournament.”
Agoucha reflects
There was more conversation with defensive tackle Bobby Agoucha that we wanted to share when speaking to him Wednesday night, minutes after receiving the news that he had made an 18 on his ACT.
“I put it like this - I knew it was in God’s hands, that’s what He told me. What’s supposed to happen was supposed to happen. I kept talking to Him about it and He kept telling me to have faith that it was going to happen. I started talking like “WHEN I get to school, I’m going to make it.” There were no ‘ifs’.”
Agoucha has reached a family milestone.
“Right now, I’m about to be the first person out of this family to go to college. Just graduating from high school was a big thing from me. I know right now that it’s a new life and I have to start doing things right and making the right decision. I have a family and all of my brother keep it real with me and I have a whole bunch of family that is supporting me, I have tons of love in my corner.
Attending several different high schools within a four year period, it’s been a long journey for Agoucha.
“I was not given a scholarship. I fought for a scholarship and I was a breath away from death fighting for it. I am going to show that I was worth it and that all this was worth it. I got here and I thank God for that and my family and coaches and everyone who was praying for me and all the fans out there and everybody.”
Agoucha has spent this summer with some of his family in the Metroplex.
“I’m happy I’m around my family right now for real and if it didn’t happen then I knew they’d still have support for me.”
It’s been said many times before about how important defensive tackle coach Ruffin McNeill is to Agoucha.
“Coach McNeill has my time card ready so I’m ready to clock in. I’m about to go clock in.”
Right before hanging up the phone, Agoucha said that it was now time to sit with family members and plot out his collegiate career.
“I’m going to start making my blue print from this point out. There’s a new life for me and we’re about to make up a blue print and we have to know what we have to do. I’m playing football for my family and they’re involved in everything I do. We’re going to get this in order and when I get out there, its work time. I’m going to be the most coachable guy out there and show them that, they know that. This is the greatest thing in my life.
Jones looking for love from Tech
After reading the update about Tyler Lee offensive lineman Trevius Jones, one can tell that Jones still has interest for Tech but yet is still needing to be pushed to come make a visit this summer.
We asked the 6-foot-5, 290-pound tackle if he had Tech was one of the schools he received many texts from while on a week long campout with some friends in Oklahoma:
“Actually, I haven’t really talked to them, now that I think about it. They didn’t text me. The last coach with the numbers I have is Bedenbaugh and I know that he’s not there anymore.”
New offensive line coach Matt Moore has undoubtedly a large responsibility to grasp hold rather quickly, but Tech will need to make contact with Jones within the next few weeks if they would still like to be in the mix.
“We’re deciding on narrowing down the colleges I’m going to go visit. It just depends on which ones are closer. I already planned on Colorado in late July but I’m going to visit LSU and some more places. We’re currently talking about when we’re going to go and when we’re going to get there. It might come down to distance.”
Distance is obviously not in the favor of the Red Raiders.
“Colorado have stepped it up as far as texting and all that stuff. Coach Whickline from Oklahoma State has been really aggressive, too.”
With the attention from Big 12 foes, does Tech still stand a chance with Jones?
“Yeah, I’m still keeping them in the mix. The door is open basically for any college. It’s whoever has the best hand, I guess. I’m not ruling anything out right now.”
The reality of the situation is that Jones would like to travel with his grandma, aunt, and mom, as he would like their advice and input on his collegiate decision. It will be hard for all of them to travel during the fall to games with him, plus he has stated for the last month that he’d like the decision to be done with around late August.
Tech still has a chance, as Jones indicated but should definitely not wait too much longer. We will continue to keep up with Jones weekly to see if he has heard from the Red Raiders.
Davis still hearing from other schools?
Although Tech is the only school that free safety Cody Davis has been contacting, other universities are still sending text messages and mail his way. Despite declaring his commitment to the Red Raiders last month, Baylor and Ole Miss have continued their recruitment of the popular Stephenville star. Stanford and Vanderbilt have also jumped on the Davis bandwagon as of recently as well.
“Stanford said that they are going to send me an offer but I have not received it yet.”
The Ivey League School is undoubtedly attracted to Davis not only because of his talent on the field but also because of his performance inside of the classroom, boasting a 4.72 GPA (on a four-point scale).
This summer, it’s all about 7-on-7 activities, workouts, and a little summer school. Davis says he has no intention on contacting any of the current pursuers and expect him to be in the Hub City to hang with the coaching staff some time during the month of July.
Has Tech found the Wright receiver?
When we talked to Warren, Arkansas wide receiver Jarious Wright last month, he was mainly concentrating on the offers he didn’t hold. Having six offers total, Wright was still hoping that Florida, USC, or LSU would pull the trigger. What does the 5-foot-11, 180-pound wideout have to say about his offer at this point?
“I think I’m real close to getting an offer from Florida.”
With the talented wide receiver also mentioning Arkansas and Tulsa as two schools he’s been communicating with this week, Red Raiders should rest assure that if Wright does not pay the Tech any attention, it’s surely not because a lack of effort.
Yet again, Wright admits that Tech is the most aggressive in the recruiting process.
“Coach Riley texts me several times out of the week.”
Are the text messages and letters enough to secure a future visit from the Arkansas native?
“I would think so.”
Right now, Wright is continuing to be vague about his options and says that he will wait till the fall to go on visits.
If neither of the three powerhouses listed in the first sentence offer, then look for Wright to go on most, if not all, of his official visits starting in the next few months. But we would still guess that if any of the threatening three decide they need Wright, then his recruiting process is over.
Adkins feeling good
Katy middle linebacker Blaine Adkins wants to go to Tech. It’s helps that he’s familiar with the university because of his sister attending, but the 6-foot-0, 230-pound specimen says that he’s been keeping his eyes on the Red Raiders for quite some time.
“With their defense, they have always been trying to get those better players,” said Adkins. “There’s something about it up there and I know how things worked and I thought I had a better shot up there then some other places.”
Now it’s up to the coaching staff to decide whether they feel Adkins is a Big 12 caliber player to help them get to the next level.
“I’m on a constant grind working out and getting ready. I’ve been working too because I have a job but it’s pretty much that and working out and just getting ready.”
He was most definitely ready for the first June mini-camp when Adkins’ numbers impressed.
“The recruiting coach for our area was actually down at our spring training earlier in the year and came up to me at camp. He said he remembered me and asked how it was going. Some of the other coaches were impressed with my testing and overall it was pretty good but I enjoyed that camp a lot and I really like Texas Tech, I hope I get a chance to go there.”
Even though the coaching staff might have liked what they saw from Adkins, they’ll continue to assess their current situation to see if they’ll need his services in the future.
“Today or tomorrow I’m sending out some spring highlight DVD’s to all the camps and schools I’ve gone to so hopefully they will be somewhat impressed. So far I’ve gotten some information and letters from a bunch of schools but mainly from Houston, A&M, Baylor, and a bunch more. I really haven’t gotten a lot from Texas Tech.”
Adkins will play at the division-I level somewhere, it’s yet to be seen if the Red Raiders will be the first to offer.
Slaughter likes Tech’s apparel
Blake Slaughter giving his verbal pledge to Texas Tech would certainly make Lyle Setencich's day. The defensive coordinator, who has a penchant for smart players, would love the inside linebacker, who scored well on his ACT's and has a 4.3 GPA.
However, Slaughter says that the Red Raiders are somewhat of an unknown to him at this point.
"I don't know much about Texas Tech, but I really like them," he said. "That's why I'm trying to get down there to learn more about them. I know they're not the strongest academically or anything, but I like them. If it's the place for me, I think I'll know. You know, like love at first sight."
However, there is one thing the 'backer knows about Tech.
"Their uniforms," he answered when asked what stands out about Tech. "They have the best uniforms in the country. I mean, they have the best colors and design and everything. I know they wear the all-black sometimes, which looks really good."
You can bet the coaching staff is doing all they can at this point to make sure the Missouri City native gets the chance to don the jersey he likes so much.
Doege Dominates 7-on-7
As expected, Seth Doege is blowing away the competition on the summer 7-on-7 circuit. Doege's Frenship Tigers won a qualifying tournament in the Amarillo area, and in doing so, qualified for the state tournament.
"We had three pool games and we averaged sixty points a game in those three," he explained. "We eventually beat Palo Duro in the championship game 34-27."
So how did the ever humble signal caller feel about his performance?
"I feel like I did really well. I only threw two picks all day, so that was good," he said before throwing in a typical Doege quote. "The receivers were just catching everything I threw to them."
Frenship Dominates UTEP Camp
Here are some highlights from the Frenship seniors' invasion of UTEP's one day camp last week:
• Ryan Haliburton continues to impress, running a low 4.7 forty yard dash.
• Nick Hanslik and Aaron Wampler both had good camps. Said QB Seth Doege, "I think they did really well and showed the coaches what they've got. I mean, Aaron does really well in the one-on-one's and everything, and Nick tests amazing, so I think they got their names out there."
• Frenship defensive back Ederick Wiggins, who could not attend either of Tech's camps this summer, had a good camp as well. Wiggins, who checked in at 5-foot-11, ran a 4.5 and reportedly had his way with all the receivers in one-on-ones.
To view previous installments of the Red Raider Confidential, visit the archives by clicking here[/URL].
Again, The Red Raider Confidential is a special feature for RedRaiderSports.com subscribers only. Everything that is reported in the Red Raider Confidential must stay well… confidential. That's the way this deal works. The Red Raider Confidential is posted in the premium forum to ensure that this information stays exclusively within the Raider Nation.
This will only be successful if everyone helps make it work, so let’s all work together and keep the discussions limited to this board.
Thank you all again for subscribing to RedRaiderSports.com!
