[2024} Texas Tech Red Raiders Recruiting Roundup

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Texas Tech Red Raiders Recruiting Roundup

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have all but wrapped up their recruiting class, balancing future potential with immediate impact players. With a mix of in-state talent and a few out-of-state gems, this class has the potential to bolster the roster in key positions. For the Red Raider faithful, the theme for this recruiting cycle was clear. The staff focused on strengthening the weapons around QB John Waid while working to improve the defense in key areas.

Headliners

• Michael Smith (CB, 5-star, Fargo, ND): Smith is the crown jewel of this class, bringing top-tier talent to the Red Raiders' secondary. Known for his skills in zone coverage, Smith is expected to be an immediate contributor with a high ceiling for development. His B-rated overall and potential make him a cornerstone for the defense. If Junior CB, Denyi Featherston, opts to return for his Senior season (don’t hold your breath), these two could be a dynamic duo in the secondary.
• David Marston (WR, 4-star, Canadian, TX): Marston, a possession receiver, is one of the most intriguing prospects in this class. While his current overall rating is a C, his A+ potential indicates that he could develop into a top receiver in the Big 12. Expect Marston to be a reliable target in the passing game as he refines his skills. The Red Raiders will be losing a terrific wideout, and Waid’s favorite target, in Reggie Rivera. As it stands, the wide receiver group is average. The addition of Marston, and fellow 4-star receiver, Jose Renteria, should add some much-needed depth to the receiving corp. However, the offense is still missing a true game breaking threat at wide receiver.
• Christopher Borum (RB, 4-star, Sealy, TX): Borum, a receiving back, adds versatility to the backfield. With a B overall rating and A- potential, he has the tools to become a dual-threat option, providing value both in the running and passing games. Borum is an intriguing prospect, and may be thrust into action if Glover Evans, opts for the draft. Borum will see the field eventually and should provide a good check down option for Waid.

Key Additions

• Richard Sanchez (DT, 4-star, Belton, TX): A true nose tackle, Sanchez will add much-needed depth to the defensive line. While his potential is lower (C), his B overall rating suggests he can make an immediate impact in the trenches. The Red Raiders are in a pretty good spot at defensive tackle, anchored by Big 12 defensive freshman of the year, Carlos Guerrero. But, you can never have too much depth in the trenches. Sanchez could very well redshirt next year, but figures to be a contributor once he sees the field.
• Jose Renteria (WR, 4-star, Port Neches, TX): Renteria brings speed and explosiveness to the wide receiver room. His B overall rating suggests he'll compete for playing time early, and his B potential indicates steady development.
• Michael Warrenfeltz (OT, 4-star, Shiner, TX): Warrenfeltz is a run-blocking offensive tackle with C-rated overall skills but an A- potential. He could become a key piece on the offensive line as he grows into his role. The Red Raider offensive line is quite young, which led to some struggles this season. Unfortunately, Waid paid the price for those struggles as he was sacked 46 times. The Red Raiders had no Junior or Senior “bubs” in 2024, so everyone will return. This will allow Warrenfeltz to redshirt and put on weight.   

Notable Under-the-Radar Recruits

• Larry Mecum (CB, 3-star, Newton, TX): Mecum, a zone coverage cornerback, could be a steal in this class. With a B+ potential, he has the chance to outperform his 3-star rating and develop into a reliable defensive back.
• Bruce Neal (C, 4-star, Davie, FL): Neal is a pass-blocking center with a C overall rating and B- potential. While he may not be an immediate starter, his development could make him a future anchor on the offensive line.
• Carlos Fajardo (QB, 4-star, McKinney, TX): Fajardo, is a pocket passing QB C overall rating and B- potential. There's no doubt that John Waid is the starting QB for the foreseeable future, but Fajardo is a great piece to have waiting in the wings should an injury arise.
• Ismail Wright (OLB, 3-star, Germantown, TN): Wright, a pass-rushing outside linebacker, has shown flashes of brilliance. Although his ratings are modest (C overall, C+ potential), his athleticism and motor could see him carve out a role on special teams or as a situational pass rusher.

Notable Misses

While the Red Raiders finished with a top 30 recruiting class, there were some notable misses that could have potentially made this class one of the best in the Big 12. In speaking with program insiders, the staff felt that they had all but locked up the players below, only for them to change course at the final moment.

• Hector Sanchez, (DT, 5-star, Mason, TX): Committed to San Jose State
• Jonathan Wilson, (WR, 5-star, Jacksonville, FL): Committed to Florida
• John Comstock, (CB, 4-star, McKinney, TX): Committed to BYU
• Myron Gassama, (CB, 4-star, Gerladine, AL): Committed to Ole Miss
• Mike Kramer, (K, 4-star, Gibraltar, MI): Committed to Michigan

Final Thoughts

This recruiting class is a strong step forward for a Texas Tech program that continues to improve each year. It’s hard to believe that just three seasons ago, this was a program that finished 0-12. While not every player is an immediate game-changer, the mix of solid contributors and high-potential prospects should provide a foundation for future success. The coaching staff has done well to address key areas, particularly on defense and in the skill positions, setting the stage for a competitive future in Lubbock.