The thrill of recruiting season is always filled with excitement and uncertainty. For Texas Tech fans, there's nothing quite like the rush of landing a top prospect or swooping in to snag a highly coveted recruit. Over the years, the Red Raiders have had their fair share of recruiting coups, and we're here to take a look at some of the biggest steals in Texas Tech recruiting history.
What Makes a Recruit a "Steal"?
Before we dive into the list, it's essential to define what we mean by a "steal" in recruiting. A steal is a recruit who was significantly undervalued or overlooked by other programs, only to blossom into a star player for the Red Raiders. This can include players who were ranked lower than expected, received fewer scholarship offers, or were considered "under-the-radar" prospects.
5. Bubba Jennings (2001)
Bubba Jennings is a name that might not be familiar to newer Texas Tech fans, but the former linebacker was an absolute steal for the Red Raiders. Ranked as a two-star prospect by Rivals, Jennings received only a handful of scholarship offers, with Texas Tech being one of the few FBS programs to take a chance on him. He would go on to have a stellar career, earning All-Big 12 honors and finishing as one of the top tacklers in school history.
How He Was Overlooked
Jennings was a product of the smaller Texas town of Snyder, which often flies under the radar of college recruiters. His lack of exposure and perceived limited athleticism led to him being overlooked by bigger programs. However, Texas Tech saw something special in him, and he repaid that faith with a remarkable college career.
4. Wes Welker (2000)
Wes Welker is arguably one of the greatest steals in Texas Tech recruiting history. The diminutive wide receiver was a walk-on recruit who earned a scholarship after a standout performance in a Texas Tech summer camp. Despite being ranked as a zero-star prospect by Rivals, Welker would go on to have a phenomenal college career, setting numerous records and earning All-American honors.
How He Was Overlooked
Welker's small stature and lack of elite speed led to him being overlooked by bigger programs. Additionally, his relatively small high school didn't receive much attention from college recruiters. However, Texas Tech saw something special in him, and he would go on to have a legendary career in Lubbock.
3. Jace Amaro (2011)
Jace Amaro was a highly touted tight end prospect from San Antonio, but he flew under the radar of many bigger programs. Ranked as a three-star prospect by Rivals, Amaro received only a handful of scholarship offers, with Texas Tech being one of the few programs to take a chance on him. He would go on to have a stellar college career, earning All-American honors and setting numerous records for tight ends.
How He Was Overlooked
Amaro's recruiting process was marred by injuries, which led to him being overlooked by bigger programs. Additionally, his position as a tight end often gets less attention than other skill positions. However, Texas Tech saw something special in him, and he would go on to have a remarkable college career.
2. Graham Harrell (2004)
Graham Harrell was a relatively unknown quarterback prospect from Ennis, Texas, but he would go on to have a legendary college career. Ranked as a two-star prospect by Rivals, Harrell received only a handful of scholarship offers, with Texas Tech being one of the few programs to take a chance on him. He would go on to set numerous records, earn All-American honors, and lead the Red Raiders to a Cotton Bowl victory.
How He Was Overlooked
Harrell's lack of elite athleticism and his relatively small high school led to him being overlooked by bigger programs. Additionally, his recruiting process was marred by injuries, which further reduced his stock. However, Texas Tech saw something special in him, and he would go on to have a remarkable college career.
1. Michael Crabtree (2006)
Michael Crabtree is arguably the biggest steal in Texas Tech recruiting history. The talented wide receiver was a relative unknown prospect from Dallas, but he would go on to have a phenomenal college career. Ranked as a three-star prospect by Rivals, Crabtree received only a handful of scholarship offers, with Texas Tech being one of the few programs to take a chance on him. He would go on to set numerous records, earn All-American honors, and become one of the greatest receivers in college football history.
How He Was Overlooked
Crabtree's relatively small high school and lack of elite speed led to him being overlooked by bigger programs. Additionally, his recruiting process was marred by injuries, which further reduced his stock. However, Texas Tech saw something special in him, and he would go on to have a legendary college career.
Gallery of Texas Tech Recruiting Steals
Share your thoughts on the biggest steals in Texas Tech recruiting history. Who do you think was the most underrated recruit to come out of Lubbock? Let us know in the comments below!
What is a recruiting steal?
+A recruiting steal is a prospect who was significantly undervalued or overlooked by other programs, only to blossom into a star player for the Red Raiders.
How are recruiting rankings determined?
+Recruiting rankings are determined by a combination of factors, including a prospect's athletic ability, academic performance, and potential for success at the next level.
What is the most important factor in determining a recruiting steal?
+The most important factor in determining a recruiting steal is a prospect's potential for success at the next level, despite being undervalued or overlooked by other programs.