At 9:52 a.m. on Wednesday morning, Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire posted on X, “It’s a Great Day to be a Red Raider!!!!” Donovan Webb didn’t repost it - that would’ve given the surprise away. But he agreed wholeheartedly.

Webb, the No. 1-ranked safety in Texas, committing to Texas Tech doesn’t just fill a team need for new defensive coordinator Shiel Wood. It’s a statement that the Red Raiders are competing with - and beating - national blue bloods like Michigan and Notre Dame for high school recruits. 

Opposing fan bases will claim all this momentum is because of money. Frankly, some of it is. Behind Chairman of the Board of Regents and mega-donor Cody Campbell, the Red Raiders spent over $10 million in the Transfer Portal to build arguably the Big 12’s best roster. The school also just unveiled $242 million football facilities.

But Webb didn’t decide to commit to Texas Tech in the state-of-the-art weight room. He made up his mind on a visit to McGuire's house for a swim party with other recruits.  

“Every ten minutes, he’s either hugging or dapping you up,” Webb said.

You can have unlimited funds, but relationships still run recruiting.

“Every time we saw him (McGuire), it was hugs, smiles and excitement,” Donovan’s father, Dennis Webb Jr., said. “You can truly tell who’s putting on a show and who’s not. It never felt like he was putting on a show. He was honest about everything.”

Dennis, who grew up in Irving before playing baseball at Kansas State, watched McGuire win state championships at Cedar Hill. McGuire was hired at Texas Tech in November of 2021 with a blueprint of being the ambassador for Texas high schools, and signing their top recruits. Now paired with financial backing like Big Ten and SEC schools, the Red Raiders are cooking with gas.

“That’s a big thing that he has - a connection with high school kids,” Dennis said. “He’s been there. He can help them transition from playing high school football in the DFW to living in West Texas and playing college football.”

Webb has a chance to earn Week One playing time at either free safety, strong safety or nickel back. But he’s also one of the most versatile athletes in TXHSFB, with experience at cornerback, running back, wide receiver and returner. 

“The opportunity to play early is a big thing for Donovan,” Dennis said. “He was their No.1 guy, and that’s what he wanted to be - a priority versus an option.” 

Now with the weight of the commitment off his shoulders, Webb is focused on competing for Frisco Panther Creek’s first state championship in his senior year. Well, and another thing, too.

“The more recruits I see at Texas Tech just makes me excited,” Donovan said. “Now, it’s my turn to go recruit and get more Red Raiders.”