Recruiting: Schools Turn Attention to Impressive Rockwall Running Back
Last summer I received a phone call from a person in the Texas Tech information loop who attended the Red Raider satellite camp in Rockwall. It basically went like this, “Chris Warren III: that’s a name you need to know.” After hearing more about Warren III, I felt like I already did, thanks to years spent watching Sunday television.
Everything my friend was telling me felt like déjà vu. “This kid is huge for a running back, but he moves so effortlessly. He’s going to be big time.” With that combination of size and ability he sounded eerily similar to former NFL running back, James Wilder. Or, Chris Warren. Because of his age I made no attempts to contact him or a family member at the time, instead I kept my ear to the ground and followed him enough to know that he was having a productive sophomore year. When you have the physical make-up of Warren III, if you only produce at modest levels you’re going places. Despite Rockwall being a young team that struggled, he exceeded modest levels and was downright productive. With Mack Brown starting to recruit players immediately after their sophomore year it was time to get some information on the running back with a pedigree, so I sought out the most knowledgeable source on the matter: his mother, K’tara Lopez. Inside Texas: Thanks for taking some time, ma’am, let’s get right to it. What’s going on in recruiting for your son? K’tara Lopez: Right now we’re getting a lot of pamphlets and packets of information from schools like A&M, Baylor, both Arizona schools and Oklahoma. IT: Nothing from Ferrum, yet? KL: [laughing] Christopher had no idea who Ferrum is. I had to tell him. IT: The first time I heard about your son was after the Rockwall camp last year. KL: That was one of the best camps we went to. It was really well organized. He did really well at that camp but we haven’t heard much from them, probably because they have a new staff. IT: I’d be willing to be that’s the exact reason. What’s going on with Texas? Have you heard anything from the Longhorns? KL: I know Major Applewhite went by the school asking about him a couple months ago. Christopher was excited just to hear that. (Editor’s note: Since we talked Chris has been invited to Saturday’s practice and will attend.) IT: What about offers, has he received any yet? KL: Right now he has Baylor. IT: Things are about to start getting crazy for you guys, I’m sure you know. KL: Yes and with the new NCAA rules that don’t limit contact…[pauses] I told his coach to not give out his phone number to anyone. We’re going to handle things via e-mail. IT: I wrote some about that, and I just don’t get the NCAA’s angle there. They’re supposed to be concerned about the ‘student’ aspect of ‘student-athlete.' KL: I know, I don’t get it either. I know they would be trying to text him during school, I don’t know what they’re thinking. They should be worrying about other things like safety. IT: Luckily the new rules are going to be appealed so we’ll see what happens there. Did Chris grow up liking any school in particular? KL: He grew up liking the Longhorns, but with recruiting it’s different. He needs to find the best place for him and know about all of his options. IT: He’s obviously a big back, but just how big right now? KL: He’s 6-2, 215 pounds. Do you want his stats? IT: Yes, thanks. KL: He had over 1,000 yards on 174 carries and 12 touchdowns. He also missed two games. IT: That’s great production for a sophomore. With his size there’s some speculation he may play linebacker in college. How does he feel about that? KL: He’s very aware of that. He knows if he gets bigger he’ll likely move. He’s 6-2 now and that’s pretty much the top end of running backs. He wouldn’t be opposed to it but I he prefers running back. He likes scoring touchdowns. IT: That’s a mature way to look at it. It’s not really up to him or coaches at this point. It’s up to his growth plates. What else do I need to know about your son? KL: He’s a humble and quiet kid, almost shy. He makes good grades. Oh, he runs track. Do you want those stats as well? IT: I want all the information. KL: His best long jump is a 22-3 and his top 100 meter-time is 11.03. IT: Wow, that’s great for a 18- pounder. Like I said, you guys are about to be very popular. I appreciate your time and let’s talk again soon. KL: We thank you for taking the time. We’ll be in touch.
Everything my friend was telling me felt like déjà vu. “This kid is huge for a running back, but he moves so effortlessly. He’s going to be big time.” With that combination of size and ability he sounded eerily similar to former NFL running back, James Wilder. Or, Chris Warren. Because of his age I made no attempts to contact him or a family member at the time, instead I kept my ear to the ground and followed him enough to know that he was having a productive sophomore year. When you have the physical make-up of Warren III, if you only produce at modest levels you’re going places. Despite Rockwall being a young team that struggled, he exceeded modest levels and was downright productive. With Mack Brown starting to recruit players immediately after their sophomore year it was time to get some information on the running back with a pedigree, so I sought out the most knowledgeable source on the matter: his mother, K’tara Lopez. Inside Texas: Thanks for taking some time, ma’am, let’s get right to it. What’s going on in recruiting for your son? K’tara Lopez: Right now we’re getting a lot of pamphlets and packets of information from schools like A&M, Baylor, both Arizona schools and Oklahoma. IT: Nothing from Ferrum, yet? KL: [laughing] Christopher had no idea who Ferrum is. I had to tell him. IT: The first time I heard about your son was after the Rockwall camp last year. KL: That was one of the best camps we went to. It was really well organized. He did really well at that camp but we haven’t heard much from them, probably because they have a new staff. IT: I’d be willing to be that’s the exact reason. What’s going on with Texas? Have you heard anything from the Longhorns? KL: I know Major Applewhite went by the school asking about him a couple months ago. Christopher was excited just to hear that. (Editor’s note: Since we talked Chris has been invited to Saturday’s practice and will attend.) IT: What about offers, has he received any yet? KL: Right now he has Baylor. IT: Things are about to start getting crazy for you guys, I’m sure you know. KL: Yes and with the new NCAA rules that don’t limit contact…[pauses] I told his coach to not give out his phone number to anyone. We’re going to handle things via e-mail. IT: I wrote some about that, and I just don’t get the NCAA’s angle there. They’re supposed to be concerned about the ‘student’ aspect of ‘student-athlete.' KL: I know, I don’t get it either. I know they would be trying to text him during school, I don’t know what they’re thinking. They should be worrying about other things like safety. IT: Luckily the new rules are going to be appealed so we’ll see what happens there. Did Chris grow up liking any school in particular? KL: He grew up liking the Longhorns, but with recruiting it’s different. He needs to find the best place for him and know about all of his options. IT: He’s obviously a big back, but just how big right now? KL: He’s 6-2, 215 pounds. Do you want his stats? IT: Yes, thanks. KL: He had over 1,000 yards on 174 carries and 12 touchdowns. He also missed two games. IT: That’s great production for a sophomore. With his size there’s some speculation he may play linebacker in college. How does he feel about that? KL: He’s very aware of that. He knows if he gets bigger he’ll likely move. He’s 6-2 now and that’s pretty much the top end of running backs. He wouldn’t be opposed to it but I he prefers running back. He likes scoring touchdowns. IT: That’s a mature way to look at it. It’s not really up to him or coaches at this point. It’s up to his growth plates. What else do I need to know about your son? KL: He’s a humble and quiet kid, almost shy. He makes good grades. Oh, he runs track. Do you want those stats as well? IT: I want all the information. KL: His best long jump is a 22-3 and his top 100 meter-time is 11.03. IT: Wow, that’s great for a 18- pounder. Like I said, you guys are about to be very popular. I appreciate your time and let’s talk again soon. KL: We thank you for taking the time. We’ll be in touch.
