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Texas Tech football lands 4-star Lubbock-Cooper recruit Michael Dever. Why he chose the Red Raiders
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- Texas Tech football lands 4-star Lubbock-Cooper recruit Michael Dever. Why he chose the Red Raiders
WOODROW — Chip Darden always knew Michael Dever had God-given athletic abilities, but it wasn't until he had a series of conversations with the standout that Dever could showcase his full arsenal for the Lubbock-Cooper football team.
Dever started gaining a bit of traction on the recruiting trail after a solid junior season that saw the 6-foot receiver compile 40 catches for 672 yards and 11 touchdowns. He first committed to Colorado State, but he was always hoping for the hometown Texas Tech football team to come calling.
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When the Red Raiders did reach out, the decision was easy for Dever, who announced his pledge to Texas Tech on July 4.
"It was 'If they offer, I'm going,'" Dever said during Wednesday's signing day ceremony.
Typically a run-heavy operation at Lubbock-Cooper, Darden knew the Pirates had to find ways to get the ball into Dever's hands.
"A lot was going in there trying to figure out the opposing team, but it was also how do we get No. 3 the ball?" Darden said. "How do we get him involved in the game?"
The answer was let Dever operate however he can. He finished the year with 1,206 yards and 17 touchdowns (both school single-season records) on 68 catches. He also had a pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns and averaged 13 yard per carry.
Michael Dever signs with Texas Tech football during a ceremony, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at Lubbock-Cooper High School in Woodrow.
Darden said seeing Dever — who also set program records for career receiving yards and touchdowns — blossom into a reliable young man on and off the field has been the biggest thrill.
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"It's been fun to watch," Darden said. "It's been fun to watch him progress and get this recognition, be able to handle it and be mature enough to go through the process."
In about five months, Dever went from a no-star recruit to a four-star prospect, according to 247Sports. Dever said his mindset has been a big part of that leap.
"I just really needed to focus in and tell myself that this is what I do," Dever said, "and this is what I want to do the rest of my life."
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech football signs Michael Dever: Why 4-star recruit picked Red Raiders
