Gridiron on the Plains: Hightower’s Darta Lee and Michael Johnson Set Decision Date; Talking Defensive Line

A look at the defensive line from the Dallas Morning News. A couple of Fort Bend Hightower players set the decision date and Texas Tech is in the mix, plus, Clayton Nicholas transfers again.

Photo via Charles Henry @ Flickr.

Defensive Line Preview. DMN’s Tommy Magelssen previews the defensive line and I still really don’t like the idea that we’re considering Pete Robertson a defensive end because I just don’t think he’s really changing positions really at all. I know this is technically accurate as it is a four-man front, but writing that Robertson is playing a different spot doesn’t seem correct:

The former Houston assistant will run more four-man fronts, and Texas Tech will have to get creative with the personnel it plans to use. Robertson’s switch from outside linebacker to defensive rush end is one of the most notable changes on the depth chart. He led the Big 12 in sacks last year during a breakout season (12.0), and will be tasked with wreaking havoc in the backfield once again. One of the best things Texas Tech’s defense has going for it is the return of experience. Additionally, Fehoko gives the Red Raiders a potential four-year impact player and enrolled early.

So maybe the question that I want a reporter to ask is if Robertson’s responsibilities will change at all. If not, then we need to figure out a way to better report this.

Trio of Fort Bend Hightower Players to Choose on May 27th. Per 24/7 Sports’ Brian Perroni, three Fort Bend Hightower players are set to make their college choices on May 27th, two of them are predicted (i.e. the fake crystal ball) to choose Texas Tech, defensive end Michael Johnson (6-1/245) and guard Darta Lee (6-3/294). The other player is Clifton Lewis, who is a younger brother of a former Oklahoma State player and is expected to choose Oklahoma State or Baylor.

Here’s the highlight video for Lee:

And the highlight video for Johnson:

Nicholas Transfers to Abilene Christian. Former Red Raider footballer Clayton Nicholas transferred to Bowling Green last year and sat out all of last year will now be transferring to Abilene Christian after he wasn’t named as the starter.