Tubby Smith signs Cloud College point guard Devon Thomas. Texas Tech track and field garners another award. We also discuss football strength of schedules and you’ll be shocked as to has the worst.

Photo via Charles Henry @ Flickr.

Thomas Signs With Texas Tech. Cloud County point guard Devon Thomas officially signs with Texas Tech yesterday. Head coach Tubby Smith noted Thomas’ ability to distribute the basketball and defensive presence as being key to what he brings to Texas Tech:

“Devon’s ability to distribute the basketball, as well as keep pressure on defense are some of the things we like,” said Texas Tech head coach Tubby Smith. “He is an excellent defender and his skill sets are better suited for an up-tempo style of play that we want to employ.

“I think his leadership will be critical. He has played a number of games at the Division I level and at the junior college level. He also learned a lot under the tutelage of Cloud County head coach Chad Eshbaugh.”

Richards III Named Male Track & Field Athlete of the Week. It seems like Texas Tech is racking up a ton of these awards lately as Joseph Richards III was named the Big 12 Male Track & Field Athlete of the Week after running the number 5 400 meter time in the nation (yes nation).

Way Too Early Big 12 Basketball Rankings. Rush The Court’s Brian Goodman has his way too early Big 12 power rankings and as you might expect, he’s picking Texas Tech last despite the fact that Texas Tech only loses one player. I don’t know how I feel about this stuff just right now, but don’t think Texas Tech is going to have the worst team next year. I need some more time to think about this.  I understand the fact that Texas Tech didn’t have a ton of talent last year, but not many teams have the two inside guys that Texas Tech has.

Strength of Schedules. Land Grant Gauntlet’s Chris Ross has the strength of schedules for the next five years and Texas Tech is 39th overall and you’ll be shocked as to who is last. Shocked.

Wallace Chooses Ohio State. Former Texas Tech commit Tristan Wallace has now officially (officially) committed to Ohio State. I think MikeTTU said it best that at least Wallace didn’t prolong this and make it really uncomfortable right before national signing day and has given Kliff Kingsbury time to find a quarterback.

Most Penalties. ESPN’s Max Olson wonders why Baylor and Texas Tech lead the nation in penalties and it’s mainly about Baylor and a little about Texas Tech at the end, about how Kingsbury is attempting to address it as best as possible, with Kingsbury acknowleding that those penalties showed up over the years.

Reviewing Linebackers. DMN’s Tommy Magelssen reviews and previews the linebackers:

The addition of Gibbs provides a fresh outlook for the linebackers, though there will be some new faces. Awe, a senior who has contributed since he first stepped foot in Lubbock, will finally get to start and run the show at middle linebacker. He will likely be joined by Sam Atoe and Mike Mitchell along the outside. Mitchell is one of the most hyped Red Raider defenders in years.

Battle Looking to be Drafted. LAJ’s Nicholas Talbot writes that Amber Battle is looking to be drafted tonight in the WNBA Draft and head coach Candi Whitaker says that Battle’s athleticism is what sets her apart:

“I think her athleticism sets her apart. A small parentage of players have her athletic ability. … At the next level, the threes are enormous and her athleticism is going to be key (to getting) on a roster,” she said. “Overseas, her athleticism will dominate. She will have a lot of opportunities as long as she works on her craft and own it.”