Recruiting on the High Plains :: The Dallas Recruiting Review Review
by Seth C on Feb 5, 2010 6:49 AM CST
in Texas Tech Recruiting
136 comments
A Lot of Folks
Last night was my very first recruiting review and I was pleasantly surprised at the number of Red Raiders that were attending this event, an announced crowd of 800 attendees. Lots and lots of Red Raiders and I have a few photos, but I don't have time to post them this morning, more than likely I'll post them over the weekend or on Monday.
In any event, there were a lot of folks there but the crew I was with were sitting right next to one of two media tables and the table next to us was completely empty, except for one person who looked like he couldn't find a seat anywhere else. I even have photographic evidence to prove that at the end of the night only one place setting had been touched. The only downside to the entire event was that each beer was $7.50, and that was for the cheap stuff. I know that sometimes people pay a premium for certain items, but $7.50 a beer? I know the price of just about everything goes up in Dallas, but the High Life's I had on the way to the Recruiting Review weren't $7.50 per beer. Someone needs to do something about that.
One other side note, Brian Jensen was the emcee for the event and introduced AD Gerald Myers. Some of you would be happy to know that he was booed by a few folks in the room, and it was audible enough for everyone to hear.
Let's get to the coaches.
Tommy Tuberville, Head Coach
He is everything that you've heard. He's very polished and well-spoken. Wants to emphasize to the players that it's not his team, it's their team and he wants his players to be a blue-collar group. He also wants his players to have prosperous lives after graduating from Texas Tech and he wants them to be successful. Tuberville made it clear that he's still looking for the right team chaplain and feels that although this will probably be his last hire, it may be his most important hire. He believes that a team chaplain will be someone that the players will be able to talk to with their problems.
He introduced some guy that is going to be running some website for Tuberville and for Texas Tech. I'm guessing that Tuberville may have lost my resume.
The last thing that Tuberville mentioned before introducing offensive coordinator Neal Brown was that he does not intend on changing the offense.
After the coordinators talked, Tuberville again mentioned that he wants to recruit Texas, that all of his coaches will be assigned an area in Texas and they are all going to recruit Texas. Tuberville then took questions from the crowd and someone asked if the offense was going to continue throwing screens (I didn't ask this question) and the answer was yes.
The laugh-out-loud moment of the night was some woman asked what Tuberville thought about QB's Steven Sheffield and Taylor Potts, where he had a hard time hearing the question, and the woman clarified her question in that she stated/asked if he really liked Sheffield and he said that he did.
I can't remember the question, but he talked about how he finds speed and said that he does this by getting players on campus. He said he really wants to make a big effort to get as many high school players on campus as possible with high school summer camps.
Also mentioned that his non-conference preference was to play at least one BCS non-conference opponent.
My Impression: Tuberville does have a magnetic personality and he is certainly different that Leach. Tuberville does want to continue to reach out to various Red Raider Clubs across the state of Texas and help sell the program. Some of you will see that as a knock, but I do think that he's genuinely interested in visiting lots of folks and generating some excitement about the program.
Neal Brown, Offensive Coordinator
Brown said that he is very proud to be the person who has been given the keys to this offense. Mentioned that he is very proud of two things that the former staff did, which was a great offense and graduate players. He made it clear that he understands the pressure that he's under at Texas Tech because of what Leach did, but he's not backing down from any sort of challenge. Brown also said again that he's keeping the same offense, including the same wide-splits for the offensive linemen and he wants to play fast and get the ball to players in space. The only thing that Brown mentioned that he'd like to change is he'd also like to hand the ball off to RB Baron Batch a little more.
Wants to recruit the state of Texas aggressively starting next year.
My Impression: Seems very likable and he seems confident in his abilities. I like people who are confident and both Brown and Willis fit the bill. Brown has stated more than once that he's not intent on changing the offense and he made it clear last night that he doesn't believe that most fans will notice the change. For those of you who don't believe Brown, that's understandable, but he's been pretty consistent on what he's said he wants to do at Texas Tech since he was hired.
James Willis, Defensive Coordinator
Wants to change the face of the defense with speed all across the defense and wants to attack the opposing quarterback. He doesn't want the offense to know where the pressure will be coming from. He talked about the best part about winning a national championship at Alabama was all of the hard work leading up to that game. He wants his players to work hard every day.
Compared LB Bront Bird to new commit DE Jackson Richards. Was very complimentary of Richards (Richards' parents also attended last night) who said that when Willis had a chance to talk with him, he asked Willis what he could do to make the program better. That's what Willis is looking for in players that want to come to Texas Tech.
My Impression: Much like Brown, Willis seems quietly confident in what he brings to the table as defensive coordinator. I do believe that Willis has a distinct plan about what he wants to implement and it starts with having speed on the field and getting pressure on the quarterback.
News, Notes and Links
Signing Day Specials: KAMC and David Collier has a pretty good review of signing day, including video from DB Tre Porter S Desmond Martin . . . I haven't had time to watch this quite yet, but Fox34 always has a lengthy show with Chris Level and Robert Giovannetti and you can find all of the
Tuberville Energized: DMN's Chuck Carlton (warning, automatic video player, so turn down your speakers) writes that Tuberville is energized at Texas Tech and he believes that Tuberville took the right job for him:
"People ask me, 'Do you think you took a job too quick?' No, I took the job that was perfect for me," Tuberville said Thursday in an interview in Dallas. "It's a different conference. I get a chance to coach against different coaches in different stadiums. It's kind of like a shot of adrenalin in the arm." Tuberville was all about Texas Tech, crisscrossing the state to explain his defense-heavy signing class and his vision for the Red Raiders. (Think: a Mike Leach-style spread offense with an SEC defense rolled into a blue-collar package).
Houston Recruiting Review: KHOU.com and myfoxhouston.com both had stories on the Houston recruiting review. The KHOU.com link has video, which gives you a taste of Recruiting Capsules: ESPN's Tim Griffin has a recruiting capsule up for Texas Tech and you can find the rest of the conference here . . . FWSW had Randy Rogers on to talk about Texas Tech's recruiting class, which lasted for a good 20 seconds, and then Rogers starts plugging his website . . . Miscellaneous Links: FWST's Dwain Price insinuates that Ruffin McNeill was never really a candidate for the head coaching job at Texas Tech because he didn't have any head coaching experience . . . a complimentary article to TallMike's FanShot on Louisiana DB Brandon Smith from the Daily Comet's Teddy Renois and Smith wants to thank whoever put up his highlight video:
"I still want to thank whoever put my video up on YouTube. I don't know who it is and I don't know if the person even knows me," Smith said. "(Texas Tech) offered me a scholarship after my junior year and there were other schools on me. But, Texas Tech kept coming to visit me at one point they were coming every week. It gave me a good vibe."
. . . The Ledger details the eight Lakeland High players that signed national letters of intent, including WR/RB Benjamin McRoy:
McRoy and his brother Javares, a junior receiver, committed to Texas Tech before the school fired coach Mike Leach. Ben McRoy said he and his brother considered changing their commitment until new coach Tommy Tuberville assured them he would still run the school's trademark spread offense.
"After we heard they were going to keep the same offense, then we knew we were going to stay," McRoy said.
He said he plans to gray shirt, meaning he won't enroll until next spring to preserve a year of eligibility. But he said it was possible he could enroll in the fall if any scholarships for this year's class open up.
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Positive Attitude
The overall feeling was a positive attitude. I was there and I dont think too many people that could afford to be upfront were interested in anything but being positive. Those of us in the back were happy to support the program, most people I spoke with were first timers as well, it was a great presentation although brief. The intersting things were that not one coach said Leach by name, and the overall feeling of seriousness. Seeing the coaches in suits mostly matching sends a different tone. One of the intersting thats that I drew from Tubbs was that he mentioned that they needed to mend some fences in reference to Texas high schools.
Tubbs expects us as the fans to raise our game as well, he mentioned that he had 23K fans at the away game vs USC and that he expects that when we travel. He mentioned wearing our red and black and double Ts and supporting the program financially.
Willis is the new Bennie and he is twice as serious, to see a grown man standing at a podium with his hand on his hip inside his jacket speaking with his other hand screams confidence and an eager mentality to take on all commers, this guy doesnt mess around! Yea and he just finished beating the hell out of Texas!
It was a satisfying evening and I wish I could afford to do more.
Great Job Seth
Thanks for the updte Seth, we really appreciate it. I hope the extra money for those beers goes to help pay off Leach’s lawsuit. And that brings me to my point. I pray that the adminsitration settles Leach’s lawsuit today. Leach was the greatest, but the sooner it get settled the better. It Tubs team now, and we are all still Red Raiders. That sorry adminstration needs to be booed and ripped apart at every opportuity. One thing for sure, Tubs talks a good game. If he keeps this offense, and can give the offesne one more possessoin per game because the defense can get the ball back and hold opponents out of the red zone, then this team can win at Oklahoma and Texas. Again, thnaks for the update and we can’t wait to see pics.
Excellent review, thanks!
I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but…I’m actually starting to get excited! If Tuberville is all that he’s cracked up to be and Willis and Brown are as good as they seem – this could be a heck of a year. Could I be starting to get over the heartbreak of losing Coach Leach? I AM so the money…(swingers reference)
Do the LOVE the fact that Myers was booed!
Tubs was great, very smooth and polished, and I am excited that I got to shake hands with him as he was walking out the door. He definitely says all the right things but hopefully his walk will match his talk.
Neil Brown looked like he came straight from the Beta house to the Recruiting Review. His hair was unkempt and his tie was loose, apparently he didn’t get the memo. He has a definite confidence (bordering on arrogance) about him as Seth mentioned. Let’s just hope that translates over to his players and they buy into his changes and continue the success of the Air Raid.
I was very impressed by James Willis last night. He had a great energy about him and a commanding presence. He got me so exicited about defense that I ended up tackling the guy sitting next to me. Ok, maybe not but if he had asked me to I probably would have. That’s the kind of leader he is.
A few more thoughts…The beer was definitely overpriced and we were talking about how it’s probably going to the Leach lawsuit fund. I was pleased when Sonny Cumbie received the biggest round of applause for the night. The comment about Sheffield was priceless. Someone also asked if we were going to continue focusing on catching passes and minimizing drops….wow.
Last but not least, we’ve touched on this subject but Tuberville said we are going to “see a different type of athlete on the Tech team next year.” Basically, they will be built for speed not brute strength.
"Life's a garden, dig it."
I am not impressed that they wear ties
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
do you know hou hard it is to tie one of those things? impressive.
by Austin, Tx on Feb 5, 2010 11:39 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I think now that recruiting is over and now is the time for all Tech fans to get on board and support these new coaches and team. Though change is always difficult, Tubs seems down to earth and wants to be coach at Texas Tech for a long time. He has brought on good established coaches and wants to better improve the players once they leave Tech.
Great job Seth and all those attending for the update. Seth, I hope they give you a press path for the next time Tubs is in town. Great to know that you cover it like Fox….Fair and balanced!!
Need lawsuit setteled fast
We need that sorry administation to settle this lawsuit so we can move on 100%. I think we are all excited about spring practice and next year. But until the adminstration pays Leac his money, if they even will, and the longer they drag this out, we are going to be holding back a little. I hope they settle the suit today so we can say good bye, thank Leach for what he did for us, and we will always remember you. I am really excited about Tubs, but please adminstration put this to rest so we can embrace Tubs fully and move on.
The school won’t settle, I would bet. They have next to zero to lose since they pretty much hold all the cards. If I’m Tech, I stall and let Leach rack up some impressive attorney bills. The longer it draws out, the worse for Leach. Let him lie in the bed he made – IF I’M TECH. Which I’m not.
Breach of contract makes attorney fees recoverable
Meaning Tech could end up paying for all the lawyers. Factor in the fact that statutory pre-judgment interest is probably higher than the going rate on savings today, they stand to lose more money every day they delay. [Unless sovereign immunity somehow changes the typical damages in contract cases.]
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
Well said Btech
Give Leach his due – both financially and a statement of gratitude from the university for his contributions to Tech during his tenure. Even Jim Leavitt was given words of thanks rom South Florida after he was fired for HITTING a player.
Settle the lawsuit, pay Leach a ton of money, and issue a statement thanking him for being the winningest coach in Tech history. Then I can move on.
Would love to see Hance and Myers gone as part of that equation but can’t see that actually happening.
Why settle for a ton when that does nothing but bring harm to Tech? Why do you guys want Leach to win this thing? It only makes us look bad if he does. Think, folks, think. You should be hoping like the dickens Tech owns him in the lawsuit so this whole mess is justified.
Although I disagree, and hope the whole thing is settled quietly....
and Leach gets some measure of what was owed…….where the hell have you been today. The “doom and gloom” squad has me nodding off at the computer. Here is the central thesis: Can’t support the team because if they win it makes the BOR look good. Can’t be hopeful because Leach is the only coach EVER to win with less talent. And a positive outlook on Texas Tech football is offensive.
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
Oh the days when we could afford
Binoculars….
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Feb 5, 2010 11:36 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Oh we have binoculars...
just no lens caps…….damn recession…damn Goldman Sachs.
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
If the Stooges breached the contract
Which I think is the consensus, then looking bad is entirely their fault. There was a good way to part ways with Leach and a bad way. They chose the latter. I’d love it if Tech looked good, but it is what it is.
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
+1
That’s where I have been on this. Whether Leach should have been fired is a discussion for another msg board. But what has always stood out is the manner in which these guys protected the brand of Texas Tech. In short they didn’t, and I don’t really care how they “look” when the dust settles.
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
Its a matter of integrity
A person or organization with integrity will do what they say. They will walk the talk. They won’t say they love someone while throwing them under the bus.
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
They look bad already...
They could own up a little bit and would look better to most…
And win back most of their fan base…
by Houston Raider on Feb 5, 2010 11:31 AM CST up reply actions
I agree completely
If they were in the wrong (meaning they don’t have another shoe to drop) and came out after the settlement and said this could have been handled better and they wish Mike the best, they could win a lot of fans back.
Not saying it’s an open and shut case, but if they show the least bit of humility it would help a ton of people.
I would hope Leach would do the same.
"Well, outside of Lubbock, expectations aren't very high. But it's okay, we play in Lubbock a lot this season"
-Mike Leach
by San Antonio Red Raider on Feb 5, 2010 5:17 PM CST up reply actions
If there is another shoe to drop....yes
If this is it, we do the right thing and take a black eye and come back stronger. They made the decision, and I am willing to apologize if there is something tangible. The embarassment is pretty much out there, now let’s just do the right thing….whatever that is.
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Feb 5, 2010 11:34 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
why? it's called justice.
If the administration improperly handled the termination of Coach Leach
which I believe they did, leaving the university vulnerable to litigation then Tech should settle/lose. If they acted contrary to the law or contractual obligations then they must be held accountable. Why would you want them to get away with breaking the law or reneging on contractual obligations. THAT makes Tech look bad.
by Austin, Tx on Feb 5, 2010 11:46 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
If they acted contrary to the law or contractual obligations they must be held accountable.
And they will if/when it is proven in court, that is what the suit is about, if/when they are proven otherwise the suit will reflect that.
I am almost willing to give odds that if the suit validates TTU in every item described in the suit, there will remain a % of people who will continue to maintain that the ex-HC was mistreated.
Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.
I haven’t seen anything that convinces me that this is justified. I won’t side with a group that is wrong just because I am an alum and like watching their football team. They’re wrong and whatever the consequences of that are they should accept them. I wish they had never done this thing, but since they did, they need to pay for it or provide evidence that it was founded in reason instead of malice.
I think SkinPatrol said this before, so this isn't some sort of new thought, but
if a court finds that Texas Tech did something wrong, then that’s fine, but if a court finds that Texas Tech had cause to terminate Leach then so be it (I think the former happened). Ultimately, I’m perfectly happy with this playing out in court. That’s not to say that a court has never made a wrong decision, but there are plenty of appeals processes that if a person feels wronged, then there are avenues to remedy that decision.
I have no interest in Texas Tech owns Leach in a lawsuit so that the university feels justified, I don’t think that will make a difference in the perception amongst those that really care about the program.
I’d agree with others in that this is already a bad situation and I’m sure that either party could look much worse by the end of the whole thing, but for now, I think the best result is that both parties settle or let the chips fall in court.
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
Momentum
Agree with the overall sentiments expressed here:
1. Excited about direction with Tuberville. Guns Up!
2. Tech needs to settle with Leach a.s.a.p. (today!) and give the man his due.
3. Leach and Myers (and Bailey) need to join the private sector.
by Oklahoma Red Raider on Feb 5, 2010 9:10 AM CST reply actions
hance needs to go first
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
Great success
Very glad recruiting is done and the hotel is reserved for April 16th/17th in gods country.
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Feb 5, 2010 9:13 AM CST via mobile reply actions
The more I hear about Myers role in the events of the last 2 years the more I feel sorry for him
It sounds more and more like Hance continually bull rushed him & shoved him aside at critical moments. I’m saving all my boos for Hance & the James gang.
Please stop ending every controversial comment with 'Just saying'. Drives me batty. Thank you.
I will pick up your slack
Giving Myers grief…..
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Feb 5, 2010 11:13 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
may take more than one.....
i’m in.
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
Did they even look at your resume?
It is their loss, and double T nation’s gain. Seth, I appreciate the hard work and journalism you create for this web site and never miss a day of your wisdom and wit.
don't let the administration get in the way of your college education
Attended the Houston review
Most of the stuff Seth mentioned about the press conference and the Dallas review were regurgitated here in Houston, but one quote rung true with me: "I’m here to win championships." That statement was met with a thunderous applause by the attendees (the event was sold out).
Here are some other thoughts/observations:
- Sat with Sunny Cumbie – GREAT guy, very upbeat and positive – and thrilled with his new spot on the staff.
Interesting notes: Asked him about Scotty Young, and he said Scotty was the BEST QB recruit Tech has ever landed (even better than Harrell). I asked him to expand on that, and he just said that overall he just has the right head and attitude to lead the Tech offense (plus arm strength, instincts, reads, etc.)
- Every coach was in a suit and tie. That says a lot to me about what Tubbs brings to the table – professional attitude, polished, business-like approach.
- Attended with my dad who is very good friends with the father of a former defensive player under Leach. Both he and his son commented on how lax Leach was with meetings ("always 30-60 minutes late"), lacked professionalism & respect with parents, his father told me: "I introduced myself as ____’s father, and shook his hand. He said nothing, and walked off…". Needless to say, he was never a big fan of Leach. What I gathered overall from the conversation is that the Pirate didn’t exactly run the tightest ship. That’s all going to change with Tubbs – top to bottom.
- So/so impressed with Neal Brown (I imagine these coaches don’t have the best public speaking skills in the world), seemed to hammer home that the offense is still going to be full-throttle ("Air Raid will remain"), and pointed out that his offensive stats at Troy were better than Tech’s last year.
- Impressed with James Willis. It was hard to hear him because he didn’t step up to the mic, but the obvious emphasis is going to be on speed and presure. Seemed humble, but confident in his approach. Let’s just say I wouldn’t want to catch him on a bad day – dude is big and bad!
Overall, I left feeling excited about the 2010 season and beyond. Wreck ’Em!
That is very cool, I wish I could have made this thing...
Did Cumbie have any thoughts on the current QB situation?
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
QB Situation
I didn’t ask him that specifically, but I overheard him telling someone else at our table that Sheffield takes the offense to “another level” and just “energizes the team instantly.” That told me that Cumbie favors Sticks over Potts.
Also, FYI Cumbie said he was going to stay up in the box – not on the field for games. Says it gives him a better perspective on what the defense is throwing at us, etc.
Now that's interesting.....
I wonder if we can assume:
QB Depth Chart
Sticks
Potts
Karam
I just don’t see them relegating Potts to third string. But then again I am sure an arguement can be made.
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
Potts on 4th & Goal !!!
Lets bring Potts on crucial goal line QB sneaks ONLY !!! Sorry, still ticked off on the UH loss!!! Do you think DOEGE has a chance?
I am going on record for seeing Joe Carmical out of the wildcat in goal line situations. Yes I know he will play MLB but that kid can run some people over in his film.
Doege
I’m not sure where this guy would fit into the equation. My gut tells me it looks like this for next season:
Sheffield (starter)
Karam & Potts (rotate at back up)
Tuberville may want to get Karam on the field as he’s more than likely the guy in 2011 and will need the reps more than an outgoing senior.
"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach
QB's for 2011-2014
2011: Let’s make the assumption that Doege is out of the equation. That means it would be between Karam (SO) and Scotty Young (RS FR). I’d think the edge would go to Karam based on tenure (not many RS FR out there that can carry a team).
2012: Can’t see Karam getting beaten out.
2013: (see 2012) plus he’s a senior.
2014: Finally get to see Scotty Young?? And even then, 2014 will be his Senior season.
A lot of factors could play into this obviously (one man’s scenario) but I’d hate to only give Young 1 season at the helm.
Neal Brown and Coach Tubs both pointed out at the Dallas session that Troy stats were better than Tech’s in some areas. I almost laughed out loud. I wonder if they started 3 different quarterbacks and played against Big 12 type athletes. I support our coaching staff but that’s not a fair or accurate comparison.
"Life's a garden, dig it."
by Remington870 on Feb 5, 2010 12:09 PM CST up reply actions
Speaking of 3 QBs....
I would sure love to be a fly on the wall right now as that gets sorted out. I just can’t help but be unsettled when the most important position on our team is up in the air.
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
I feel the same
It’s kind of the next big question to be answered. I doubt we see Potts again unless it’s for mop up duty. My bet it’s SS and even some Karam at times. We can only hope!
"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach
Leach did reply...
It just wasn’t spoken words. “UH…UM…UH…UM” then he walked off
South Plains Drifter.....
I know SPD talks a very good game, and his resume says he can walk it as well. If he had done his HC in say the Big Sky, Conf. USA or even the Big East, but he SEC so I have all the confidence he will bring the defense that we all really want @ TTech. I also believe wants to win more than he wants to run a certain system so after 10 yrs of the Air Raid, it will continue. Brown again actually played for Leach and I know he worked under Franklin but the most important thing I have heard about the offense, and I heard it last week as well is that TTech will still have the large line splits. This is really what sets the AirRaid or Pirate O apart from all others.So bring on the great D and keep the same O and TTech is in business! Wreck’Em Tech
Mr. SEC Thomas Tuberville and Texas Tech University
A metaphor popped intio my head yesterday explaining why I’m uneasy about the change in regime. I watched several games between top SEC teams on TV last season & invariably the games were tied 3-3 at the end of 3 quarters. It was like watching paint dry. Eventually one or other of the defenses would break down in the 4th quarter & give up some scores. But it’s football as a chess game rather than an all out jailbreak.
So here’s the metaphor: Billy Graham is universally respected as a man of the cloth. I’ve read about him my entire life & have never heard anything bad said about him. I was raaised in the Catholic Church. This change at Texas Tech feels like Billy Graham has just been selected by the College of Cardinals as the next Pope. Takes some getting used to. I am trying.
Please stop ending every controversial comment with 'Just saying'. Drives me batty. Thank you.
+1 but....
The SEC keeps winning the NC games so I do think TTech will score points but the emphasis on D will be welcome!!!!! Wreck’Em Tech
When I read a block of Tommy Tuberville quotes I want to knock someone down.
The guy definitely has a great deal of energy and motivation working for him.
Sounds Awesome
Wish I could have made it Seth. Sounds like the event was worth it despite the beer $. I’m very excited about our new faces of texas tech football. I really like the idea of team Chaplain. I always felt like these kids need a spiritual leader as student athletes. A great deal of stress and pressure can build up when you don’t have a person to talk to. I can’t wait to see what we do on the field next season.
"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach
Administration has to be held accountable
Tech92 the administration has to be held accountable. I disagree with you. It is important for Leach to validate not only his pride, but his success at Tech. The idea that the University hates Leach this much is disgusting to me personally. I just want them to settle with him, at whatever the costs, validate his success, and thank him so we can all move on. I do not thinks Tubs will be here more than two years, three at the most. He will be back in the SEC within three years if not sooner. This stop is only to restore his credibility. The good news for us, is that I think we will benefit too. We just need to hang on for the next three years, and then we can get our next tenured coach. In the meantime, please give Leach his due, and let us start supporting Tubs. Go Raiders.
Tuberville
My bet is he retires from football as the red raider head football coach. This job fits him perfectly and it’s a great set up for him to succeed. I would even bet his kids enroll at Tech in the future much like Leach’s did. The Lubbock community is very embracing and they will love this guy in no time. Tech is a program on the rise and if Tuberville is very aware of that. Despite what most in the media say I personally feel like Tech is a great destination. At 55 years old this is a great place to make a statement. Bare in mind the pressure to succeed in Lubbock is less than it would be in the SEC.
"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach
Strive for Honor
If Leach was fired justly, then the administration needs to support it with information. By all appearances, they did not have a just cause to fire him. This isn’t about bringing Leach back. He is gone and SPD is now the Coach and I think he is great. It is about “Honor” and “Ethics”. In the military academies a cadet must report all cheating and other unethical behavior or he/she is just as quilty. Our school song and my class ring say, “Strive for Honor”. How can we stand by that statement if we do not want the truth. If the firing was justifed, so be it, but bring us the truth. If it was not justified, we have to point this out and those that were behind it were not only not “honorable” but “unethical” and should be removed from their positions. If we do not seek the “Truth” then we are quilty of dishonoring our school.
Good Point
Raider1992 I hope you are right about Tubs because I also like him and even though he has not won a game on the football field yet, unless we can fill a 55,000 seat stadium against the likes of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and etc., then he is going to want to coach in big time football stadiums. I would be disappointed in Tubs if he did not settle for anything less. If he is satisfied at Tech, then he has taken a step back to retire, and that would not be good for us. He was booted from Auburn, and he wants his reputation back. He can get it here and more. I hope he takes us to BCS games, and I hope he sells out the stadium for games other than UT and A&M. But there is no way he stays here very long. Think about it just for a minute. The bar has been set. He must win 9 to 10 games every year. If he does not win 9 to 10 games he will get fired, if he win 9 to 10 games and takes us to a BCS bowl with a big pay day for the Unviersity, he will be gone. Tech won’t pay Leach, do you truly believe that they are going to pay Tubs. I do not think so. I believe the next tenured coach at Tech takes what Tubs will do for us. Either way, I really think we are in a good position. What do you think.
He won't be fired for winning 5 or 6 games a year
Hance, Myers & the gang liked things better when we were winning 5-7 games a year. They had the sandbox all to themselves.
Please stop ending every controversial comment with 'Just saying'. Drives me batty. Thank you.
I don't think Hance and Meyers were here.....
when we were winning 5-7 games a season. I mean hasn’t there been a number of chancellors since Leach got here?
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
Hance was teaching at Tech in 1977 when I was a freshman
Myers was BB coach. They have always been more or less part of Tech since the late 50’s. Besides my point was that Hance & Myers are the public face of the good old boy network who have driven the university back to the mediocrity they are most comfortabe with, anytime somebody gets “too big for their britches”. 6-6 seasons and the Iindependence Bowl are exaclty those guys speed. Anything better is too scary for their lowered expectations & pea brains.
Please stop ending every controversial comment with 'Just saying'. Drives me batty. Thank you.
I know what you were saying.....
Just keeping you honest.
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
I agree with some of what you said
I just don’t see a Tech coach coming in for 2-3 years. First off he won’t even get to see his recruits play until year 3 in most cases. Tech is not a 2-3 year coaching job by history less McWilliams dare I say it. At 55 this guy is in his prime to say the least in coaching circles. I think he made a clear and educated decision to come to Tech for the long term of finishing out his carreer on a high note. Winning 9-10 games isn’t going to be easy for anybody in the Big 12 but I think this present day team is loaded and I have hard time seeing less than 8 for a good while. On paying Leach, I don’t think it was ever about the money but more about control. Tech has plenty of money to pay a good coach and will always be able to raise that money with a winning program. I know you think Tubs is a short timer but maybe we can revisit this discussion in 5-6 years and I’ll buy you a beer at our 2nd BCS apperance with Tubs sporting the red and black with his guns up running to mid field to shake hands!
"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach
No justification
Weber7377 I don’t thik it matters if it was justified or not. This adminstratin did not like Leach, and they did not allow for due process. This all could have and should have been handled after the bowl game. I too would like all the facts, but at this point, I just want to move on and support Tubs and his efforts to take us to a BCS bowl game. Isn’t it great when we finish ahead of the likes of Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, and A&M. But when you look at the overall athletic programs at Tech, we do not do very well. Look at what has happened to men’s and women’s basketball. What happened to our baseball program. Our Athletic Director and Administration is very jealous of Leach. They want not only the glory, but all the accolades as well. I am a team Tech player, the administration is not. I know I am off topic a little, but Myers has not been a very good athletic director overall. I do not know how he has lasted at Tech this long.
Am I the first DTN mile high club member?
Not that exciting….but I’m doing this from the airplane wifi. Snowstorm not good….missing the recruiting event no bueno, but getting back home during the mother of all snowstorms-priceless.
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Feb 5, 2010 2:11 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Where ya at, where ya coming from?
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
Columbus, ohio
Btw, much handwringing on OSU recruiting that they lost recruits to cinncy?
AA (the airline kwash) was on time and took of f during a blizzard.
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Feb 5, 2010 2:17 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I despise American Airlines.
Worst airline company on the planet. The flight from Calgary to Houston was terrible (I went over X-mas Break) and handled poorly. They can’t do anything right. I think Southwest should by everybody and take over the world. Seriously, never had a problem with them.
AA is for quitters.
" Answers -- Become Resources."
Without Questions; There are limited Resources...
Get rid of the effing wright amendment....
And I’m in
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Feb 5, 2010 9:29 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I agree, it's stupid and it needs to go.
it’s cost me more money than one could imagine.
" Answers -- Become Resources."
Without Questions; There are limited Resources...
been there oldschool
I find myself constantly on this site in airports and planes. An addiction I can’t break!
"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach
The Turncoats are coming out....
I am so glad to see that the pro-Leach supporters are starting to come around for their love of Coach Tommy T (albiet brotherly NOT passionately). No one was a bigger supporter of Leach & Co. than me. And it sucks what happened, however the minute I starting hearing rumours about Tubbs wanting this job, I couldn’t help my excitement! I told all my “negative nancy” Techsters that this was the best replacement we could ask for (barring that Saban, Miles, Carrol and Meyers would want to come to Lubbock).
I’m just sorry I couldn’t attend the Big D function, but am glad some of you did and appreciate the reporting. Next season can not get here soon enough…
Turncoats?
Really dude?
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Feb 5, 2010 2:29 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Really again?
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Feb 5, 2010 2:33 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
LOL....I think artgar3 is brand new......cut some slack.
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
Clarification
Thank you TTUMAR. What I meant was, it’s good to see the pro-Leach camp start to turn around their mentality towards Coach Tommy T. It’s almost gratifiying considering I’ve been a Tubbs fan since he first spoke on ESPN’s First Take…
Understood...
Hope to be as excited about T2 soon.
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Feb 5, 2010 3:00 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Speaking for myself:
I may be “pro-Leach” but I’m not anti-Tubs.
I’m just not as quick to get drunk on the kool-aid.
I can see all sides of the possiblities of a Tubs led Red Raider team. Hoping for the best…preparing for the worst. It’s how I roll. Which is why I stay out of most of the Tubs conversations because I’ll sound like a manic depressive siding with him sometimes and booing him the next. Truthfully…I think there’s huge potential for a very successful year and huge potential for a complete collapse. Hoping for the best…preparing for the worst.
I have commented (not all that harshly either) on his recruiting because I just don’t really think he knows what it’s like to recruit for Tech in the Big 12.
I’ll make my judgements on him based on performance.
My “pro-Leach”edness stems from still being angry about how they ousted the captain.
It wasn’t right and people need to pay. Only then will honor be restored.
Plus…some really good people (coaches/staff) lost jobs because of this and most Techsans were pretty gosh darned happy with the Captain. How many of us were licking our chops after the season ended (before suspension and firing) looking at our recruiting class, looking at who UT and OU were losing and getting…and thinking THIS could be the year? Seriously?
How many DTN readers were completely stoked? I know I was.
Ruff was improving the D. Leach was adding a little more running. These were NOT dire times.
I’m just declaring…
by Damien Franco on Feb 5, 2010 3:56 PM CST up reply actions
+1 internet
Fan of hope for the best and prepare for the worst
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Feb 5, 2010 4:24 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Believe it or not
Leach had to win me over during the first few years. There was even a time that I wished McMackin was the HC and Leach the OC.
I don’t jump in without testing the water. I’ll join the Tommy fan club if he follows through but in the mean time I will be cheering for the team.
"Well, outside of Lubbock, expectations aren't very high. But it's okay, we play in Lubbock a lot this season"
-Mike Leach
by San Antonio Red Raider on Feb 5, 2010 5:27 PM CST up reply actions
Just a quick heads-up
(and thanks a ton for joining and being a part of this community), but hit the “reply” link when you want to reply to a specific person’s comment.
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
I broke my vow to quit arguing about the Tec v. Leach garbage. That’s 70 lashes with wet leather strips for me.
Go Tech! Go TTUMAR! Go Kwash!
And go me!
by Tech92 on Feb 5, 2010 2:43 PM CST via mobile reply actions
How's the vow to
Quit sniffing glue going?
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Feb 5, 2010 2:58 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
You know as well as I do that I never madethat vow. And I won’t.
by Tech92 on Feb 5, 2010 3:52 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
It's about time....
The rest of you “puppy dogs n ice cream” crew were getting too heavy to carry on my back for so long.
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
Soooooooo! Tech 92,TTUMAR.KWASH and others (handing you all a beer) How many of you are going to the spring game?Do you think Tubbs will have instant results on defense?And do you all think that his offense could be even better than in 2008?I have my renewal and donation check ready to mail….I think I just might upgrade my tickets…
“GUNS UP”
Sly, I can't wait till the Spring Game.
Seriously, I have never followed Tech Football year round like this and it’s intoxicating. What I want is some more inside information about how the Spring Game is going to be handled. The word here in Lubbock is it will be an actual game, not a scrimmage/practice, and that it will belh in the Jones. Apparently Tubs views it as a recruiting opportunity, and I think this plays right into building excitement for a special year.
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
By the way....
I think I have seen you a few times over on Tim Griffin’s ESPN Blog. My screen name there is KSIGMARINE.
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
Yeah.I am pretty opinionated over there however, I have not been there in ages.all the BS over there is stupid.You really can’t talk football.I have even had a few Techsters turn on me while they keep arguing with all the trash that is on that site.I read Tim’s stories and then I go on.Hey I wish that we could have a game atmosphere on the soring game.Make it a fun thing.maybe all us double T guys and gals could meet somewhere for food and drinks afterward.That is cool you follow Tech now.I have thought many times I just might move there just for it to be easy to attend games in all the sports.I bleed TT..
You have to have a thick skin, and leave the homerisms behind..
if you want to play on that board. Better know your stuff, or keep quiet. Lots and lots of Trolls as well.
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
oh I have thick skin believe me.I just choose to spend my time on sites that inform and have intelligent conversations.That is why I stay here on double T.Sometimes I get frustrated by the same repetitious post on some subjects but all in all I like everyone here.I also enjoy KWASH on game day thread.The guy is hilarious.I like the fact that when we mess up on here Seth let’s us know,but with respect.
I spent time on his blogs during the season
as Mbrown603. But I eventually got so sick of UT fan Bcarter that I had to leave. Every Griffin post having anything to do with Texas Tech & Bcarter is there making it a miserable experience for the Tech fans. All season. What kind of misanthrope would find that an entertaining use of his time?
Please stop ending every controversial comment with 'Just saying'. Drives me batty. Thank you.
+1000 brown
I could have gone back on there after TEXAS fell on it’s face in the NC game and asked what two teams does UT hate in the last two years the most TECH or ALABAMA,but I digressed and stayed away….But I laugh every time I think about it
Same here
I try and stay off as well because bcarter or “the don” as he prefers gets old with his ranting. I’m by no surprise Raider1992604 on the ESPN blog which I’ve tried to stay off of but occasionally feel like I have to chime in.
"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach
First, I think I will make it for the spring game. Instant results? Hopeful, but not expecting it. It takes any decent coach at least a little time.
by Tech92 on Feb 5, 2010 3:53 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
#1 thanks for the beer!
I’ll be at the spring game. Bells on and drinking heavily, probably most of y’alls beer and none of mine, I’d like to see if I can still do that.
I think Tubbs will take a season or two to acquire the results he wants, but I think we as fans will see a dramatic improvement instantly. If a LB actually runs down hill and pursues on a QB draw, I call that a mega improvement. (Hand me another beer, would ya?) Duncan showed a few flashes of brilliance during the Bowl game. He was “straight bold on bitches” (dedfischer). I think this is where the “speed” factor comes in. Our current staff of LB’s can stuff the run and blitz a little bit, but there is room for improvement. I think Willis will have the D ready and we’re going to surprise the hell outta everybody. Even ourselves.
I put nothing over 2008’s Offense. But, anything is possible.
" Answers -- Become Resources."
Without Questions; There are limited Resources...
Not going to the spring game, thanks for the been, it was great
I think Brown is going to have instant results on offense, I think Willis is going to have instant results on defense, and I think Tubeville is going to have instant results on special teams….get ready.
Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.
Lord, have mercy, I have no idea how I wrote been rather than beer...
Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.
Too many beens?
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
He was being chased by bears.
Bare with me while I tell you the problem. It boils down to this….
Even though TallMike was being chased by Bears he still managed to keep up his social networking skills. Beans and beer will make you do that.
Good Lord I can’t wait for 05:00 to get here so I can go to bed. Which is where most of you guys and gals are right meow. See what I did there? Super Troopers references are always funny. See, the funny thing about shiftwork……it will make you bat s*** crazy after a while and cause you to post some off the wall commentary.
" Answers -- Become Resources."
Without Questions; There are limited Resources...
KW, thank your for your very kind comments of support and caring analysis...
did you do a double shift ?
Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.
I legally can't do a double shift, due to DOT restraints and people needing to sleep.
" Answers -- Become Resources."
Without Questions; There are limited Resources...
So ?
what does legal have to do with it ?
Can’t drink and drive either …..
Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.
Right, but the Big Boys and the Federal Government frown upon it.
Plus, they just flat out won’t let me. Years ago when I was in the field drilling and working well control, yeah, we would have to stay up for days. But we weren’t involved with the DOT either.
" Answers -- Become Resources."
Without Questions; There are limited Resources...
I'll be there!
renewing my season tickets as well. I’m more curious about how our defense looks next season than anything else. Hopefully gone are the days of the bi-polar defense Tech92 speaks of. Offense I feel like will be much better with an improved running game. Some of us have wanted that for a long time. This will be a break out year for………….Eric Ward.
"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach
In agreement...
I’ve never been so excited about Tech football either! I have some Auburn alum friends of mine and they also said that we couldn’t have had a better hire as our coach. He is the right fit, at the right time.
+1
I don’t think TT will struggle against UTEP and other trap games !!!
Like losing to Vandy. Twice.
Sorry, just had to slip that in there….
Positive thoughts, positive thoughts.
"Well, outside of Lubbock, expectations aren't very high. But it's okay, we play in Lubbock a lot this season"
-Mike Leach
by San Antonio Red Raider on Feb 5, 2010 5:29 PM CST up reply actions
The trap game we always overlook is the road game against New Mexico
New Mexico hates Texas Tech & they get as fired up for our visit to their stadium as we do when Texas or Oklahoma visits Jones Stadium. We really need to be ready for that or they’ll do to us what we do to the Aggies everytime they visit Lubbock (this year excepted).
Please stop ending every controversial comment with 'Just saying'. Drives me batty. Thank you.
New Mexico does always play us tough......and so does Colorado..
remember we have them this year. We never beat those guys. Wasn’t it 2006 that they started like 0-6 and then beat us, with Graham?
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
Just twist the knife.....
Twist it and watch all of us bleed.
" Answers -- Become Resources."
Without Questions; There are limited Resources...
I flew to Denver for that game
Went to the alumni breakfast. Figured if ever there was a sure thing it was a game against an 0-6 team. Boy was I wrong. We left at the end of the 3rd quarter.
Please stop ending every controversial comment with 'Just saying'. Drives me batty. Thank you.
<------Drinking hard cider, after a couple of beers with the bride at CapRock Cafe
"We have a running game at Tech......sometimes we throw short passes." -Mike Leach
Tuberville's plan
“All my life, though, I’ve been around teams that were run-oriented first: 60 percent and throwing it 40 percent. But this is the wave of the future. It helps recruiting. That’s one thing Tech has on the rest of the teams in the country. If we can get the defense to the same level, we’ll have something going for us." This quote by Tuberville struck me. It is his goal to have a defense as good as the offense. Where Leach’s goal was to outscore the other team (which he did most of the time). Both are winning strategies. Leach succeeded, now we wait for Tuberville.
"People ask me, 'Do you think you took a job too quick?' No, I took the job that was perfect for me.." Tuberville
Leach vs Texas Tech
According to ESPN “mediation had not been completed and has been recessed pending future scheduling.” It will probably be late Monday, maybe Tuesday before something is decided on this. However this ends, and I am personally pulling for Leach, I sure hope we all can start putting ALL of our focus on what we all love, se….er Football. Maybe then we can all become vivil with one another again……..We were civil before, right?
TTpilk
I don't think we were civil before, just more tollerant of eachother.
" Answers -- Become Resources."
Without Questions; There are limited Resources...
It won't be next week
It will be sometime in the future when everyone is available again and maybe after some discovery is completed.
by jeffinhouston on Feb 5, 2010 10:53 PM CST up reply actions
The Leach/Tech dispute will not end soon
First I am a leach fan since Kingsbury’s beat Texas in Lubbock. Leach is very unconventional and weird but he put TECH football in the national spot light with his performance on and off the field. I also believe that Hance and his administration at Tech work very hard to lead this University without hidden agendas. No one is happy with either side at the moment.
When I try to understand the current dispute and the mess I am upset at both Leach and Tech administration because both reacted by pissing on each other when the line in the sand was drawn by the James issue. Neither side back off nor reflected on the paradigm of each side in the dispute. Now we have a case in the court that splits the baby in half. No one wins because both sides wanted to control the situation within their own paradigm not seeing the damage they both created. I hope that both sides settle soon but my expectation is that it will drag out the line in the sand in court with appeals. Both sides will fight to the bitter end with no winners just a line in the sand and the mess it created will be a unfortunate history that should not be replayed.
I am about to the point to where I am able to say
that I am happy that Mike Leach got himself fired.
I really liked reading his unusual perspectives and blind side answers to questions posed by reporters (I have a 3 page document of Mike Leach quotes and thoughts that I thought were special some funny some simply enlightening)…I did not like his constant hostility towards the administration…I suspect that he unknowingly helped create that environment himself…by being himself. The divorce was inevitable, that became apparent in the last contract negociation.
I appreciate watching every game that I watched with Mike Leach as head coach, it was great fun. I have three years of games on dvd. I drove 1400 miles to use season tickets two years. I appreciate the work that he led in the football program that led to its successes and growth.
I recognize that he did not do that alone, his staff, the players themselves, the administration and all fans were part of that success.
His inablility to work with his administration on an issue that they deemed important led to his demise…he is supposed to be smart !!!
The court case will go no further than Mike Leach wants to take it. The judge has already commented that he does not have much of a case on all but one of the issues he cited. LOL, anyone who believes the ‘truth’ will come out in such a venture is amazing to me. It is a hostile environment with both sides attacking and defending positions…I do not believe that is an evironment for assertaining truth…only a win or a loss.
Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.
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