Texas Tech Football Recruiting Battles To Keep An Eye On

Preston Gordon – Defensive Tackle (Graduate Transfer from Rice)

In recent years, Kliff Kingsbury has taken on numerous graduate transfers from other programs to help him fill out his roster.  Graduate transfers are players that have already earned an undergraduate degree from their university and are able to play right away rather than having to sit out a season like other transferring players.

One such target this year is Rice defensive tackle Preston Gordon.  The 6-foot-1, 287-pound former two-star prospect from Frisco, Texas started for Rice last season recording at least one tackle in every game.  He ended the season with 33 tackles and one sack.

While many fans may roll their eyes at the thought of recruiting a transfer from Rice, Gordon appears to be a big priority for the Texas Tech football coaches.  Just last week, Kliff Kingsbury, defensive coordinator David Gibbs and defensive line coach Terrance Jamison went to Houston to see Gordon in person.  Additionally, the trio made a special stop meet with Gordon’s mother and grandmother…in Dallas.

Obviously the Red Raiders want to add Gordon to the mix.  They are putting on the full court press.

Tech must replace the production of 2017 senior DT Mych Thomas who had a fantastic impact on the resurgent defense.  Currently, Tech has only three true defensive tackles on the roster.  Junior Broderick Washington is the only one with real experience as he started every game last fall.

He is joined by sophomores Nick McCanna and Joseph Wallace.  McCann has seen virtually no action in the defensive line rotation and Wallace is a bit of a question mark after being forced by the coaching staff to sit out the 2017 for disciplinary reasons.

Adding Gordon would provide another experienced body to plug into the rotation and provide insurance should Wallace slip up or McCann prove that he is not yet ready to contribute.  This recruiting battle is not going to garner tremendous headlines but Gordon could be an important glue guy that helps solidify what is expected to be a strong defensive line.

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In addition to Tech, Gordon is also considering Kansas, Tulane and Texas Southern.  That list alone as well as the tremendous interest Gordon has received from the Texas Tech football coaches should make fans feel confident in the Red Raiders chances to land the experienced DT.