BY DON WILLIAMS l AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Here are quick thoughts from Tech coach Mike Leach about Wednesday’s new class of signees.

Carrollton Newman Smith DE Aundrey Barr: “Tall, rangy guy. I like his wing span. I like the way he moves around.’’

Garland Naaman Forest S Terrance Bullitt: “What I like about him is he’s a big, tall guy that can run.’’

Nashville, Tenn. DT Romario Cathey: “Big, quick guy.’’

Lake Charles, La. IR E.J. Celestie: “Can play pretty much any skill position — receiver, running back, defensive back. Can really do a lot of things.’’

Dallas Bishop Lynch OLB Dion Chidozie: “Very fast. The biggest thing comes to mind about him is his speed and his ability to get to the ball.’’

Denton Guyer OT Kyle Clark: “Big, physical, impressive, statuesque looking offensive lineman.’’

Killeen Ellison S Daniel Cobb: “Thick, fast safety. Also played some running back.’’

Keller Fossil Ridge WR Aaron Fisher: “I think he’s more of an outside (receiver). He plays physical, though. Tall thin guy, but plays physical.’’
Abilene Cooper S Will Ford: “Maybe one of the most polished players in the class. Can do a lot of things and is one of those guys that really looks good doing it.’’

Cibolo Steele OL Matt Goetz: “Very aggressive. Likes to put his hands on people; is very mean when he gets them there.’’

Tulsa, Okla., DT Pearlie Graves: “Personifies defensive tackle. Aggressive, physical. One of those national guys and justifiably so.’’

Lewisville Hebron OT Joel Gray: “Maybe the tallest and longest arms right now, but a guy that’s really going to fill out and be a great offensive lineman.’’

Austin LBJ DE Kerry Hyder: “Plays basketball. Can dunk the basketball. Just a real athletic guy, even though he’s a big man.’’

Austin St. Stephen’s CB D.J. Johnson: “Great athlete. Great change of direction. Really a leader for their team.’’

Friendswood QB Jacob Karam: “A tireless worker. Had all the skills. Was accurate, made good decisions, had quick feet. Really smart kid; could pick a lot up quickly. And then I think as time went on, probably most impressive was how he rubbed off on other people when he was around them. He was one of those guys that made everybody around him excited, and I think that was exhibited by his team and how far they went (to the state semifinals) and how effectively they played. They were a team that surprised several people this year.’’

Longview DE Chris Knighton: “Again, athletic defensive end, one that we got on late but are excited to have.’’

Keller Fossil Ridge LB Brandon Mahoney: “Kind of a classic linebacker. Good player. One of those guys that can solidly play, I think, all the linebacker positions.’’

Killeen Shoemaker IR Derrick Mays: “Real fast. Real fast. He’s pretty skillful. I also think he can stretch the field pretty good, too.’’

Dallas Carter DB Jarvis Phillips: “Can play either side of the ball — offense, defense, corner, receiver, safety, a lot of stuff. He’s kind of quiet. He’s used to leading his basketball team, too. He’s their point guard and he’s one of the best point guards in the state probably.’’

Coldspring LB James Scott: “One of the bigger of our linebackers. Impressive. A lot of runner and hitters, I’d say, in this group.’’

Mansfield Timberview RB Eric Stephens: “Really a diverse running back, but we look for running backs with diversity. Can you rush the football? Can you catch it? Can you block? He can do all those things well. … His versatility reminds me of most of the backs I’ve had. He’s kind of a thicker guy. Kind of a built-for-combat fellow.’’

Columbus OL LaAdrian Waddle: “Great big player. I think is going to get bigger yet, stronger yet, and really has an impressive future.’’

Arizona Western DT Myles Wade: “Just an incredibly strong, blocky looking defensive tackle. One of the most imposing players I saw out there in a couple of years.’’

Wichita Falls Rider IR Eric Ward: “Great change of direction. Great sense of the game of football. I think (enrolling early) is good for him. It’s got to be a guy that’s really excited about being in college already, because if you’re a guy that’s looking over your shoulder, thinking about home, thinking about the prom or thinking about finishing out high school, it’s not a positive experience and you’re better off waiting for summer. He’s a real mature kid. I think really competitive, kind of ahead of his time and measures up well with the kids that are already here from what I’ve seen.’’

Denton Ryan CB Yahshua Williams: “Real athletic and taller than some.’’