Lubbock-area wide receiver flips to Texas Tech football program

This week, the Texas Tech football program picked up a commitment from an exciting local product, Michael Dever. The Lubbock-Cooper wide receiver was originally committed to Colorado State but now he's on board with the Red Raiders.

The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder had 40 catches for 672 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Pirates as a junior. He also qualified for the Class 5A UIL state track & field meet in the high jump. With a leap of 6 feet, 2 inches, he placed sixth in the event.

Rated by 247Sports.com as a 3-star prospect, he is the No. 65 wide receiver in the country and the No. 62 player in Texas. In addition to Tech and Colorado State, he has offers from such programs as Memphis, North Texas, Texas State, and Wyoming.

Gabe Brooks of 247Sports.com has the following scouting report on Dever: "High jump standout who puts that vertical explosion to use in pads as a frequent contested-throw ball-winner. Plays bigger than listed size because of positive frame length and athleticism. Displays impressive body control in the air with the strength to beat high school defenders at the catch point. Runs with a long-striding gait that can build speed.

"Leaks to space and shows improvisational awareness when needed to give his QB a cleaner window. Flashes speed-changing ability/awareness to amplify the higher-end gears he achieves. Encouraging run-after-catch context as a junior. Busy gait sometimes impacts RAC balance. Legitimate P4-caliber receiver prospect with strong multi-sport data -- 6-8 high jump, 21-11 long jump -- that combines with frame length and on-field context to likely provide substantial long-term potential."

This recruiting win was especially important for Joey McGuire and Co. because it came just a day after the Red Raiders saw 2025 wide receiver Isaiah Robertson flip from Texas Tech to SMU. Robertson, a native of Arlington, Texas, had been committed to Tech since November of last year. He's a 3-star prospect and the No. 107 player in Texas according to 247Sports.com.

With 17 players committed for 2025, Tech's class currently sits at No. 41 nationally. That's good for sixth in the Big 12.