Wreck'Em Red
Fansided

Texas Tech sports figures that would make perfect commencement speakers

By Matthew Conner

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 15: A recent graduate watches Oprah Winfrey speak during a virtual graduation ceremony held by Facebook from his laptop on May 15, 2020 in New York City. The online event featured numerous celebrity speakers after the majority of graduation ceremonies around the country were canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 15: A recent graduate watches Oprah Winfrey speak during a virtual graduation ceremony held by Facebook from his laptop on May 15, 2020 in New York City. The online event featured numerous celebrity speakers after the majority of graduation ceremonies around the country were canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Assistant Special Teams Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach Derek Jones  (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
Assistant Special Teams Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach Derek Jones  (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

Derek Jones

Though most casual Texas Tech sports fans and almost no Red Raider who isn’t a football fan would know who he is, new Red Raider defensive backs coach Derek Jones would be a fantastic commencement speaker.  After all, he already moonlights as a motivational author.

In 2017, he published a book titled “Always Play to Win“.  With numerous motivational phrases and insights, the book is intended to impart wisdom by compiling the many inspirational Facebook posts he’s created over the years.

"“According to his website, “This compilation of his favorite Facebook quotes is full of lessons from a man blessed to have grown up with a strong support system and who hopes others can benefit from what he has learned along the way. With topics ranging from setting priorities and communicating effectively to dealing with drama and cultivating important relationships, this book will encourage you to ‘Always Play to Win'”."

As far as football goes, landing Jones was a huge coup for Matt Wells and his program.  During his 12 years at Duke, he earned a reputation for being not only a fantastic developer of talent but also one of the best recruiters in the ACC.

A 22-year coaching veteran, he has coached several NFL Draft picks.  He now is tasked with repairing one of the bottom five pass defenses in the nation from 2019 and the most giving secondary in the Big 12.

Next. The defining moments of the 2019-20 Texas Tech basketball season. dark

Whether or not he’s able to accomplish that task is yet to be seen.  But there’s no doubt that he would be a brilliant choice to speak at graduation because motivating young people is his forte.

Home/Texas Tech Red Raiders News