Lone Star State blue-chip recruit reveals who gets the credit for Texas Tech Red Raiders football commitment originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Texas Tech Red Raiders Class of 2027 high school receiver recruit Julian Caldwell went into detail about what made him commit to the rising oil-fueled NIL/rev-share juggernaut.
On one hand, Caldwell credited the relationships he’s made with TTU’s brain trust, which most certainly includes the moneymen in Lubbock. That’s how the Red Raiders do business these days, and it’s not a secret.
Caldwell also credited Texas Tech receivers coach Juice Johnson for the fatherly dynamic he established with the former Argyle Eagles star off the field and how it’s juxtaposed to a no-nonsense approach in practice and games.
“I’ll just say the people and relationships definitely tipped the barrel for me,” Caldwell said. “Just having a lot of people in my corner that are Texas Tech fans kind of tell me what they have to offer is definitely nice. I just think culturally, scheme fitting and just the personality of the coaches, it’s just like a perfect match for me. So I definitely feel comfortable there and I think they can really develop me into the player I wanna be.
“What I love about Coach Juice is that he can kind of flip a switch. When you talk to him one on one, he kind of gives me like a dad feel. He teaches some great lessons, then when you go on the field, he’s this aggressive, pushy type of coach, which is definitely what I need. I definitely need someone that could push me and kind of bring the best out of me.
“They’ve been recruiting me for a while. So it’s definitely makes it a little easier knowing that you’re wanted, and that’s kind of a big thing when it came to the coaches, too. They’ve always expressed how much they want me and how much I can make an impact on their program, but I built a really strong relationship with all the guys. As a wide receiver, having a good quarterback is a huge deal. I’ve seen Kavian (Bryant) play many times. He can sling it. I’m familiar with his game, just running the ball. So just knowing that he can extend the play is definitely big for me.”
Johnson, like the rest of Joey McGuire’s Red Raiders staff, has been able to see results in the wake of Cody Campbell’s epic transfer portal spending spree over the past two years. TTU added several projected impact receivers in the offseason, including Auburn Tigers transfer Malcolm Simmons, Liberty Flames transfer Donte Lee, and Alabama State Hornets transfer Jalen Jones, plus four-star Wolfforth Frenship Tigers threat Chase Campbell in the 2026 class.
Who is Texas Tech’s quarterback this year and next?
While the 2026 season’s fate may rest in the hands of quarterback Will Hammond’s return from an ACL tear amid Brendan Sorsby’s gambling scandal, it’s possible that true freshman Stephen Cannon could earn the starting job next year by the time Caldwell touches down in the “Hub City.”
More than likely, Campbell will roll the dice on another portal QB next January, though perhaps with more discretion.