One of Texas Tech’s most prized 2016 recruits has been awarded one of the state’s most prestigious postseason awards and being recognized as the best high school player in north Texas. Mansfield, TX Lake Ridge H.S. quarterback Jett Duffey is not only getting ready to play in the 5A state title game this weekend, he is being recognized for his phenomenal play.
This week, Duffey, the 6-foot, 180-pound 3-star dual threat quarterback was awarded the Tom Landry Award which annually goes to the best player in North Texas. In 2025, Duffey passed for 2,680 yards and 29 while rushing for 1,667 yards and 20 touchdowns.
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And thought the award is an individual award, Duffey showed his leadership and humility by giving credit to his teammates.
"“One hundred percent of it goes to my team,” said Duffey. “Without them making the catches and without them doing those things they do on Friday nights and sometimes Saturday nights, I wouldn’t be here.” Link"
Lake Ridge’s undefeated run to the state title game is impressive considering the fact that the school has only been open for four years meaning Duffey’s class is the first group of seniors in school history. And as soon as the state title game is played, the No. 26 rated quarterback in America will prepare to enroll at Texas Tech for the spring semester.
Last week, Duffey signed his financial aid paperwork with Texas Tech meaning that he is ready to attend classes in January. Though this paperwork is non-binding, Duffey seems excited to become a Red Raider.
Texas Tech received a commitment from Duffey in May when he was a virtual unknown in the recruiting circles. But after a strong summer camp season that saw Duffy earn an invite to the prestigious Nike Elite 11 national quarterback camp, his stock began to rise.
Now, with a fantastic senior season on his resume, the hype surrounding the dual-threat quarterback has increased significantly. Part of the excitement surrounding the future Red Raider comes from the spectacular plays he has made, none more impressive than his touchdown run in the state quarterfinals.
Duffey has already assumed a leadership role among his fellow Texas Tech commits. According to Duffey’s head coach, Kirk Thor, the star quarterback is a natural leader.
"“The culture he helped create in the locker room with building a football family of players, he’s done a great job,” Thor said. “I’m just proud of him. He’s well deserving of the award.” Link"
The list of recent Landry Award winners proves how prestigious the honor is. Past winners include Kyler Murray, Myles Garrett and Jonathan Gray.
Now Duffey joins that elite group and he is excited to continue to have success at Texas Tech.
"“Everyone in the 2016 class, we have a group chat,” Duffey stated. “We talk in there about how we are going to take off and Texas Tech will be seen as a top-notch program. When I talk to the young players like Jalen Reagor and Jack Anderson, I just tell them how the program is going to take off and how we need to keep moving forward and they all listen to that and understand that. We are all competitors and want to win.” Link"
After not signing a quarterback in the 2015 recruiting class it was imperative for Kliff Kingsbury to find a top-tier signal-caller in 2016 and it appears that he has found just that player in Jett Duffey. In addition to winning the Landry Award, Duffey is one of ten finalists for the Mr. Texas Football Player of the Year award, presented by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and Wells Fargo.
Duffey seems to be the perfect fit for Texas Tech, not only because of his ability but also because of his attitude.
ESPN recruiting expert Tom Luginbill described Duffey glowingly after the Elite 11 competition this summer.
"“With Jett you see it with how he carries himself, I think he has a little bit of a chip on his shoulder,” said Luginbill. “He’s not concerned with who’s around him, he’s not concerned with ‘oh this guy’s a big name a guy that’s got 20 offers’ — he doesn’t care about that stuff.” Link"
It is that type of attitude and determination that makes Duffey a natural fit at Texas Tech. The once overlooked player has had to earn every bit of his success and his hard work has paid huge dividends.
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Players with Duffey’s attitude are what Texas Tech has built its program on and Jett Duffey appears to have the perfect mentality to be a great Red Raider.