Alright guys the blog is back and running, and I can guarantee that it's going to be 1,000 times better. I have added another fellow Red Raider, and great writer by name of Zac ( @THErealZACccc ) Torres to help me expand the blog beyond football so that can we soon be discussing everything Texas Tech. Here's some upcoming changes! 

INTERACTION VIDEOS |This was Zac's great idea! He threw me the idea to add an interaction section to the blog in order to include our fellow student opinions week by week during the coming season. Zac and myself have pretty in depth knowledge with Adobe and other programs, so I am excited he brought this up. Above is an example of what we want to do. Yes I am the guy in the first part of the video. I was having a rough day, so please don't judge me. moving on....



 

WEEKLY UPDATES |Sooner rather than later Zac and I will be going through our assessments with our current 2013-2014 roster, and then tackling each Big 12 team. Occasionally we may have outside the Big 12 write-ups if we so choose. We will break down not only positions, but also each and every 2 deep players' strengths and weaknesses. Mind you, yes I do know some of these players personally, so some of the things I (personally) will say about these guys I have said to them, and have talked to them about this coming season. They have personal and team goals in mind, some of which we will discuss, other we won't out of respect to those players. Also something to note, I will not do any "inside information". Zac, and I would agree that we don't want this to be a gossip blog. 

RECRUITING | As of now I have a stance to not write about recruits. It may be a part of our discussions (see WEEKLY DEBATE), but honestly recruiting is very opinionated, with no perfect system, so I rather just link you guys to Seth C, where he does a GREAT job at giving all the facts about recruits. He's usually one of the first ones to post the information anyway, and to me it would be redundant to post double information. Also, something to note, I do not want a recruit to see this blog, and IN ANY WAY sway their decision. 

WEEKLY DEBATE | We are still working on how we want to do this, but we may steal an idea from First Take Espn with Stephen A & Skip Bayless. We want to do a weekly broadcast on topics  we choose to discuss. The "show" might be about 30-45 minutes. It's all up in the air, but it will happen, and I am Tim Tebow excited! 

FINAL THOUGHTS |That's it for now! 

Scouting Report

 I promised some-type of scouting report and here’s one.

Lets start with offensive line. |

I read some comments that the o-line needs some help, depth, and Kliff and staff would be smart to play true freshmen in this position in the coming Fall. Well I agree, but only to a certain extent. The o-line has improved significantly from what I can tell as far as the spring allows you to. On the flip side of that argument, I do believe neither Wally or Kliff opened the play books up as much when compared to the Midland scrimmage, but we’ll get to that in a second. The o line (in the Spring Game) did a very good job of picking up blitzes for the majority of the game. Some people say that our Quaterbacks were forced to be mobile, but I saw in many cases where they did have time and simply moved to the left or right to make a better throw into tight coverage. Outlaw and Poet may be much needed depth, but I am very sure Kliff and Hays will have these guys ready by the opening of this season. I’m not one of those,  “In Kliff I Trust” but I do have confidence in this coaching staff.

Quaterbacks and The QB Battle |

I don’t want to grill the qb’s for a poor spring game because the playbook was very limited and it showed because the defense was all over them. I saw the same plays ran over and over again, and if it wasn’t the same plays, it was the same route combination ideas. I discussed the QB battle with a friend of mine during the scrimmage, and I personally believe that QB battle going on right now is actually hurting both Brewer and Webb like it did for Ash and McCoy. The reason I say this is because I witnessed a few passes that could have been thrown deep that essentially (in D1 football) were open for at least an attempt, but instead both Brewer and Webb checked down way too quickly and ultimately threw a bad pass. Now, I do agree that the competition is making them better and I’m only forming this opinion off the spring game, but I do believe that both QB’s are probably thinking too much and are scared to make a mistake which results in some loss of big plays. It’s still very early; I know this. If I was doing a “What to take from the Spring Game” write up, this evaluation would be somewhat different. As it stands right now though, we have a long way to go before we get a starting QB. BREWER IS NOT RUNNING AWAY WITH THIS BATTLE. I know it’s peoples’ opinion, but I strongly disagree (and I have my reasons).  

Wide/Inside Receivers |

I know a few by name so lets get to it. Reginald dropped way too many passes! I think being under that big crowd rattled him for the day. Amaro played better, but not much better. He made a beast of a catch and a touchdown, but Brewer in particular, forced a lot of passes his way. Grant “The Dream” had a decent day overall. I don’t believe he’ll have as much success as everyone thinks he will have in the Big 12 this year. I’m sorry folks, but he’s no Tavon Austin, and look how people were able to lock HIM down the second part of the season. There are some variables that go along with what I just said, but that’s not important. Derrick Edwards had a great day. He’s not Eric Ward or Darrin Moore, but with some more time in the weight room he could really start to be a deep ball threat inside the 40 like Ward is and Darrin Moore was.

Running Backs

Washington sat out again which leads me to believe he is a starter in this offense because he’s not hurt. Quinton had another solid day even with the limited play call, and Kenny did good as well. #40 is a bulldozer and I like his running style; a little SEC style there for you. Overall, I can’t wait to see how this quiet position battle plays out.

D-line

I am getting a little tired from this medicine, so I’ll make it quick from here on out. The d-line didn’t get much pressure, but showed amble amounts of hustle to get to the quarterback. I don’t know many names and people in positions, but again I saw a lot of hustle.

Linebackers

Linebackers did a great job getting in coverage, dropping into zones, and swarming to the football. If I were doing grades, I would get them an A-. They need to work on better executing their blitzes, but overall great job during this game.

Secondary

These guys are playing much better, but overall I still believe these guys will be the weakness of the defense. They played very well against average wide receivers that really aren’t yet in shape in this spring game. Most of the time they were pretty much predicting routes (because of limited play call), and tackling seems to still be an issue. Tre Porter just about missed every tackle coming down hill or in the open space. I’ve made a case time and time again about Cody Davis being one hell of a player, and now my friends are starting to believe me. Cody was a great open field tackler and overall General of his defense. He will be missed immensely by the fans because I don’t think we have a safety that will be able to replicate his efficiency and effectiveness playing safety (and partial linebacker). The cornerbacks did a better job in the Tampa Two defense, so not too much criticism coming from me there. Every now and again, a wide-out simply makes a better play.

My friend Leroy and I before the game. He walked on as WR and made the team! 

What It Takes To Make It!

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As much as I love to write, I find it hard to find the time, and when I have the time I don’t have anything to write about.  When I first started this blog, I just knew I would be a football walk-on at Texas Tech, and I would write about my daily experiences. I would get to tell my story to all that would listen, and hopefully inspire thousands of kids searching for a chance. Well, that didn’t work out as I planned. Though the dream of being a football player is closer than ever, I still need to make use of this blog until that time comes.

With that being said, I decided to do a step-by-step of how to get YOURSELF recruited. I’ve personally learned the hard way that you can’t rely on your coaches to help you get to the next level.

How early does the recruiting process start?

The truthful answer to this questions is, you can never start too early. If you’re one of those guys/girls who, as a young age, has had a favorite team or grew up as a fan of school A then reach out to them freshman year in high school. The best thing to do is make sure someone (a parent, friend, cool teacher) or anyone who religiously attends your games videotapes your games. What you do is edit clips of your best plays against your opponents, and create what the world calls a HIGHLIGHT TAPE.  NOTE: Colleges have been known to offer kids as early as sophomore year!

How do I create this highlight tape and what happens after I create this highlight tape?

Usually to create a highlight tape, it’s best to use the very popular website Hudl.com. Usually your coach or school has an account with the company and you simply need to ask your coach for access of the account to make a highlight tape. They have the software and the step-by-step process to help you.

Once you are done creating your highlight tape, gather the link  and your on your way.

 What’s Next?

Okay now we need to find a way to contact coaches. Here is the step by step with screen shot help:

 Step one 1: You need to find the athletic website of the school.

Step 2: Usually all of the emails and phone numbers are listed in one place. In this example, you can find Texas Tech's coaches information in the "Inside Tech" tab.

Step 3: You want to find the tab that usually says "Staff Directory" or "Directory"

Step 4: Once you find your sport, you want to find someone who is listed as administrative help. Emailing the actual coaches is a hit or miss. You want to email people who usually work as the middle person from you to the coaches. In this case I'm going to clink on the link (or coach) that says David Raih because he is listed as the person who works with high schools.

A closer look

Step 5: Now once you click on the link (if you have the Outlook on your computer or phone) it should send you to this. Note: I am using the IPhone 5, but it should work for all smart phones.

 

Now that you have got yourself to email itself, you want to introduce yourself. Things to include:

1.  Subject- Courtney Harris. Recruiting 2013
2. Greeting - Coach Raih, 
3. Name - Courtney Harris 
4. Body - I am a freshman with very strong interest in your program.....(add your own from here
5. Closing- Thank you very much for your time, and I look forward to talking with you in the near future 
6. End with your name again, maybe a telephone number, and your coaches contact information

I HOPE THIS HELPS! GOOD LUCK! 

Thank You

I wanted to thank you guys so much for the continual support and entertaining me still at this point. Realize it or not, but it's been a year and you guys are still pouring out support. This is a big reason why I couldn't leave this school. Lubbock has become home to me. It was so easy to leave my last school even though I miss the hell out of my friends there. I even had a beautiful girl I had to leave behind, but I knew that it was for the best. I gave up a lot to come to Texas Tech; even the chance to be closer to my family (not talking about TCU). I debated for awhile was this the right choice and now I have my answer. No matter what happens I will always be a Red Raider.


Courtney Harris

Never Give Up: EVER

Well I'm back to writing again because I need an escape from the 1500 word papers and boring educational books. As many of you know, this is the time of the semester when it's easy to lose focus, but luckily I'm not facing too many distractions so I'll use this as one. Recently I tried out for the Texas Tech football team again and like last semester I wasn't successful. Last semester I got the "You're good, but we just don't need you" email and it hurt pretty bad even though it was better than being told you're simply not good enough. I was invited to come in the spring after my tryout, but then Coach T and staff hit the high road (or low road) and that was it. Not only did it stun the players, but the guys in my shoes were lost too because it seemed like everything was falling into place. I was so ready to come in and now it looked like I was back at square one.

This time around though things were different. Much different. After not making the cut in the 6:00 am tryout, I simply thought I wasn't good enough by Coach Kliff's standards. I was pretty bummed out, hated the program, and thought that it was time to move on. I love Tech and I bleed red and black like the rest of you, but I also came here chasing a dream.  This wasn't something I wanted to end with a couple of bad tries (even though many would say give up after two tryouts). So I called TCU and boy their offer to be on the team sounded extremely good! I loved the idea of being closer to home and getting to see my family all the time; especially my little two year old brother. At the time anything was sounding better than being a Tech and dealing with the politics of football when I knew in my heart, I could be great.

I debated over the issue a thousand times and weighed all of my options. Long story somewhat short, I decided that I would stay at Tech and continue to do tryouts until they let me on (even out of pity). Most guys that I know called it quits after having their dreams crushed this second time around. Me on the other, I'm stubborn, and I don't give up easily at all. I declared that until God himself comes down from Heaven and says give up this dream, I'm fighting for it. I emailed coach Kliff, got on the phone with Coach Wes (track and field) and well.... here's what happened:

I'm very excited to hear this from the football coaches, but of course it's all conditional. I'm confident I will be on this team in the Fall. I cannot release information as to why because right now it's all speculation. Right now I'm going to continue training, get back into shape, and continue to stay ready. 

And as far as track and field is concerned, I have been in talks with Coach Wes. He has agreed to let me run starting next season. I would likely run the hurdles and maybe the 400. I'm not sure, but anyway I am grateful for the opportunity.

I just have to stay hungry! 

 

Is the sky falling?

I know I always say when I write that I should be doing this more but the school year is coming to an end and now I have nothing really to keep me from my poor little site. After today I seriously had to take some time and write about what I believe is in order for this Texas Tech program.

Firing the Coach

Today after reading opinions from tired, worn-out, depressed fans, I believe that it is time for change. Do I believe firing Coach T is the right answer? I don’t think I’m educated enough to make that true answer because there are a lot of variables that could and will go into play. The names that have been thrown out there are some names that I could agree with (as far as replacing Tubs) but what if we don’t get those coaches, then what. We are stuck with some coach we never thought we would end up with, and who is to say that he doesn’t create much change in this program? You know what that ends up doing? You said it. SETTING THE PROGRAM FURTHER AND FURTHER BACK. I agree in the sense that maybe Coach T is not the motivating force we need, and maybe he doesn’t take enough blame. Maybe he doesn’t fit in the Big12 or is not the innovating coach needed to create change in the Big 12 (though I do not see much change needed). No matter what the opinion is from the congregation, I think we all can agree that we need change in this program. Football is where the money is! If the overall mood from the fans is that they want a new HC, then Hocutt has to put feelings aside and ultimately do what’s best for this program (as far as selling seats, getting media attention, and ect….).

Now of course, we need to take in consideration recruiting, players already established, and other vairables. Since, once again stated, I have no life, I will take a look into all of that now.

Recruiting

The general comparison between our two recent coaches is that as far as recruiting was concerned, Tubs is a clearly better at recruiting. But as we all know from some recent years at Texas, if you can COACH this recruits, then their wasted talent. Leach was known for being able to do more with less and we seen some promising years under Leach (like him or not). Tubs has been able to get some “quick fixes” in, but I personally have not seen their value. Yes I am talking about mainly at the defensive back position (and Will Smith). For the better part of two recruiting seasons, I have questioned a lot of this coaching staff’s reasoning behind players that don’t seem to have done much of anything on the high school or Juco level. Granted I understand they have recruited guys multi-position talented, but is that all we are looking for? Another thing, until we can beat teams consistently like Texas, Oklahoma state, Oklahoma, and TCU, we WILL NEVER win those recruits. Those guys (previous teams just mentioned) steal each other recruits all the time. Where is Tech in that mix?

What the players Want?

Well we all know about the end of the year review between coaches and players. I wonder what they will say. I wonder how the seniors feel. Like I said before, I’ve been able to talk to many players about this team’s coaching staff and I continue to hear praises about this defensive staff (brought in by Tubs), but never any praises about this offensive staff. You know what I hear about them? Inconsistent, soft, give up at times, horrible play calling, excuses, and the list goes on. Is that the simple fix? A new coordinator with more experience does sound like common sense, but would he have control over this offense or does Coach T undermines his ideas? I know he tried it with Coach Kaufman, but I think Kaufman is too much of a bad ass to be undermined, and for most of the season, his way has worked! NEXT!

I’m getting a little tired so I will end here! Coming up next is the “Baylor- Tech Prediction” & “Next Year: What If’s”

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I seriously wish I had time to do this more, but I lack anything interesting to write about. I would like to study the Big 12 more and do my own previews of the teams, but I’m seriously starting to think I have an addiction to football. It clouds my mind. I am constantly reading articles and stats on various teams, staying up-to-date with what’s going on with Texas Tech etc.. It’s not healthy in a way because I am not currently a football player, but I justify my actions by telling myself that I will need these study skills next year when I am in my first Big 12 game as the starting cornerback. Some of you may laugh. Don’t worry, I wont get upset. I’m what they call the dreamchaser. The term doesn’t quite mean what you think it does because dreamchasers such as myself go through a little bit more adversity than the norm. Most people have goals, and go about them objectively with strategic planning. BUT, a dreamchaser has no plan, has no foreseeable future. He/she only futures a dream where all of the blood sweat and tears have finally paid off and they stand on top of the world screaming “Yes, I have finally MADE IT!” The difference between those with goals and dreamchasers is when your determination goes from just that to an insanity level. You treat this dream you have like some addition that you cannot get rid of. You live for it and without it—well there is NO WITHOUT IT—because without this accomplished dream, there is no you. Some people reading this, may be bored, confused, trying to find some point, but truthfully there is no real point. I, as always, am just telling you guys a little more about myself every time I write.