When head coach Joey McGuire took the position in November of 2021, he came in with the overwhelming energy and passion this program desperately needed. That transferred quickly on the recruiting trail, gaining multiple verbal commitments from four-star recruits before he even coached one game. So on Wednesday, another big-time defensive player joined Texas Tech’s roster for the 2023 season. Jordan Sanford committed to Texas Tech and is signing his letter of intent to bolster the secondary of the Red Raider defense.
Jordan Sanford Committed Before Proof Of Concept
Sanford gave Texas Tech a verbal commitment on August 4th, 2022. Like much of McGuire’s recruiting class, he was able to get a ton of verbal commitments before McGuire coached his first college football game. The four-star safety from Arlington, Texas is a national top 250 player and is ranked the 18th best safety in the nation. Sanford was also a top 40 player in the state of Texas. He was offered by Northwestern, Oklahoma State, SMU, Washington, Arizona State, Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Liberty, Louisville, Michigan, Minnesota, TCU, Rice, Vanderbilt, Utah, and Utah State. He took official visits to Washington, SMU, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, and Texas Tech during summer time in June.
Potential Duel-Threat Capabilities
Samford’s 5-11 frame has the foundation to add size as he develops at the collegiate level. Sanford is designated as a safety. However, during his senior year, he gained some valuable reps at corner. He has legitimate track speed as he was a Texas 6A state qualifier as a junior. Sanford qualified in the 100 meters with two sub-11.00 times, including 10.55 and 10.57. According to his 247Sports Composite recruiting profile, he “[c]ould provide early special teams snaps and should give a defensive staff a versatile, athletic puzzle piece in the secondary.” He likely will not find a way to be a starter in his first season on campus. But Samford should develop into a quality starting defender for this Red Raider defensive unit.
