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Texas Tech football: Early 2021 recruiting targets to watch

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19: Jones AT&T Stadium is pictured before the college football game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Iowa State Cyclones on October 19, 2019 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19: Jones AT&T Stadium is pictured before the college football game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Iowa State Cyclones on October 19, 2019 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Texas Tech Red Raiders Saddle Tramps  (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
Texas Tech Red Raiders Saddle Tramps  (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

OT Matthew Wykoff

Expect the Red Raiders to take a full offensive line class in 2021 after not doing so in either of the last two recruiting cycles.  While the grad transfer market will likely help fortify that spot on the roster this year, given that Tech has seen three starters from last year’s line graduate, this class has to not only bring numbers to the position, it must bring future starters.

One such player to watch is Matthew Wykoff.  The 3-star prospect is already 6-foot-5, 305-pounds.

From Magnolia, Texas, he has a connection with Texas Tech redshirt freshman tight end Simon Gonzalez who is also a Magnolia product.  Who knows if that will help the Red Raiders in this recruiting battle but there will be stiff competition for his services so any edge will be useful.

Wykoff’s list of suitors includes Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, A&M, Souther Cal, Utah, and Virginia Tech.

The o-line is going to be a priority this year given that Tech will almost certainly lose junior guard Jack Anderson to the NFL Draft.  OF course, Wykoff won’t help at that position but his presence on the roster could allow a more versatile player to move inside should the need arise.

In 2019, the Red Raiders took only two offensive linemen, Trevor Roberson and Landon Peterson both are far from ready to play starter’s snaps.  The 6-foot-11, 350-pound Roberson needs to continue to work on his technique and weight after playing at the 2-A level in high school while Peterson needs to add serious bulk to his 6-foot-6, 265-pound frame.

Again in 2020, Tech brought on only two high school signees and neither is an option to play immediately.  Therefore, the answers along the line in 2020 are going to either come from within or the grad transfer market.

But the future of the o-line could be solidified in the 2021 class.  Tech will do everything possible to sign a full five-man group and if Wykoff is part of that contingency, it will be a huge win for Matt Wells.

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