Though the Texas Tech football program hasn't had a tight end put up huge numbers since Jace Amaro in 2013, the program continues to add talented players at that position. The latest is Preztynn Harrison from Mineral Wells, Texas.
Over the weekend, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound high school recruit gave his pledge to the Red Raiders. That makes him the 10th player to commit to the Red Raiders in the class of 2025.
Rated by the 247Sports composite rankings as a 4-star prospect, he has been a strong Texas Tech lean for some time. That's likely why his only other offers come from smaller programs such as Arkansas State, North Texas, and Texas State.
Don't let that offer list deceive you, though. Harrison is a highly-regarded player.
Excited to announce my commitment to Texas Tech University!#WreckEm
— preztynn harrison (@preztynn1) March 31, 2024
👆👆👆🌵🌵🌵
@TexasTechFB @JoeyMcGuireTTU @CoachKennyPerry @CoachCochranTTU @jkbtjc_53 @MWRamFootball Let’s go to work! @CoachCWorrell pic.twitter.com/ZgAehRJR0R
In fact, 247Sports' composite ranking lists him as the No. 14 tight end in America for his class. He's also listed as the No. 45 overall player in Texas.
Last season, Tech did not get much productivity out of the tight end position. The team was led at that position by Mason Tharp who had only 18 catches and 178 yards, though he did find the endzone four times. Meanwhile, Baylor Cupp, (himself a former 5-star recruit and Texas A&M transfer) caught 11 passes for 114 yards and two TDs.
Much of the lack of productivity from the TE position can be traced to two factors. The first was the nagging injuries that both Tharp and Cupp had to play through.
The second was the scheme Tech deployed. With a shaky offensive line, the Red Raiders often asked the two massive tight ends to stay in and pass protect rather than run routes. That led to a natural dip in productivity.
2024 should be a different story, though. Arizona State transfer Jalin Conyers has been added to the roster and he didn't come to Lubbock just to block.
In his career, the super-senior has caught 74 passes for 846 yards and 6 TDs. He'll be looking for a big final collegiate season in Lubbock to enhance his NFL prospects.
However, Conyers is only a one-year solution and after next season, both he and Tharp could be gone. That would leave 2024 signee Trey Jackson and Harrison as the only tight ends on the roster.
Of course, the transfer portal will likely be an area where Tech looks to add talent to the TE room after this season. However, bringing in a high school player as promising as Harrison is always a great idea as well.