Five-star EDGE Anthony Sweeney commits to Texas Tech after an impactful visit, choosing the school over offers from LSU and South Carolina. His decision marks a significant win for the Red Raiders in recruiting.
Anthony Sweeney didnāt expect it to happen this fast, but one visit to Texas Tech changed everything.
Then came a three-day trip to Lubbock in early April.
That flipped everything.
āIt happened a lot faster than I expected,ā Sweeney told Rivals. āI went into that visit expecting to come out, continue to take visits, get to some official visits, then make a tough decision in the summer. That visit really changed everything for me.ā
Sweeney was in the Hub City from April 4-6, and it didnāt take long for things to stand out.
āThe people were real,ā he said. āThe environment was different. After being there, I just knew they came up for me. The people, how real they are, and the feeling I had around them changed how I felt about Texas Tech. It showed me a lot.ā
Sweeney feels good about the staff in Lubbock
Relationships with the coaching staff played a major role.
Defensive line coach Jacquies Smith stood out early.
āHe can develop me,ā Sweeney said. āHeās been around the NFL and knows what it takes to get me there. I like his personality. They had David Bailey last year, now they have Coach Smith, with NFL experience, so I really believe in them.ā
Head coach Joey McGuire also made a strong impression.
āHeās a great coach ā a playersā coach. Heās got great energy and sets his players up for success. You see what he has done with the program.ā
That vision resonated.
āHeās building something big,ā Sweeney said. āTheyāre already competing, and I believe they can get to the top. They were in the playoffs last year, and he has made Texas Tech into a national contender.ā
Being around the people and the visit itself helped bring everything together.
āIt was just different down there,ā he said. āThe weather, the people ā everything. It is so much more than I ever expected. I can see myself fitting there. It felt like the one.ā
Texas Tech has everything Anthony Sweeney is looking for
That combination of development, culture and fit made the decision clear.
āDevelopment, the people, the staff, the players ā everybody is striving to be great,ā Sweeney said. āAll of that stood out.ā
The resources only added to it.
āThe facilities, the training staff, the equipment ā everything is there,ā he said.
After returning home, the decision came quickly.
āMe and my family talked it over and decided a couple of days after the visit,ā Sweeney said.
Despite heavy pushes from LSU and South Carolina, Texas Tech closed strong.
āI just couldnāt say no to Texas Tech,ā Sweeney said.
Q&A
Why did Anthony Sweeney choose Texas Tech over LSU and South Carolina?
Anthony Sweeney was influenced by a three-day visit to Texas Tech that changed his perspective and led him to commit to the school.
What is Anthony Sweeney's ranking in the Rivals Industry Rankings?
Anthony Sweeney is ranked No. 20 in the Rivals Industry Rankings for the 2027 class.
What position does Anthony Sweeney play in football?
Anthony Sweeney plays as an edge rusher, a key defensive position in football.
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