Rowlett RB has Tech future

Texas Tech _ with Red Raiders coach Tommy Tuberville considered an elite developer of running backs _ only has one running back commit for the Class of 2013. And Rowlett is glad it has him.

After missing the season opener, Rowlett senior running back Jalen Rhodes made his first appearance of the 2012 season. Rhodes sped his was to 181 yards rushing on 18 carries, including a 75-yard score. Rockwall rallied behind sophomore running back Chris Warren’s six touchdowns for a 41-37 victory at Rockwall’s Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium, but Rowlett certainly showed the form which propelled it to the third round of the state playoffs last season.

Rhodes was a key factor in Class 5A state playoff wins over Lake Highlands and Copperas Cove last season. The 5-9, 175-pounder has terrific bounce-out speed and is becoming stronger at running between the tackles. He’s also versatile enough with good hands to potentially play in the slot.

Rhodes rushed for 1,500 yards last season after taking over as a junior starter.  As a Rowlett sophomore, Rhodes played regularly behind Northwestern star running back Treyvon Green.

Rockwall actually has good memories for Rhodes. It was a standout performance at a Tech summer camp in Rockwall which led to the Red Raiders offering Rhodes and he committed a few days later. Tech was the first Big 12 offer he received.

Rowlett also has more potential Big 12 prospects.  Class of ’15 outside linebacker Tragalin Releford (6-1, 190) is a star in the making and senior cornerback Grant Dotsy (6-0, 190) is one of the fastest players in North Texas. Junior lineman Chase Rowan (6-4, 280) is a top tackle prospect and junior kicker Aspen Hulme showed promise with a 49-yard field goal.