Starting this week, 1340 The Fan will start highlighting recruits that will join the Red Raiders in the class of 2016. The class is made up of 26 players, is ranked 40th nationally and 5th best in the Big 12, according Texas Tech 24/7 Sports.

First, we take a look at 4-star Derrick Willies, a Junior College transfer and former Iowa Hawkeye. Even though Willies is a transfer, he'll be able to play immediately and will have two years of eligibility. Willies is the 3rd ranked receiver in the 2016 class.

  • Getty Images - Matthew Hoist
    Getty Images - Matthew Hoist
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    1

    He played at the University of Iowa for two years

    After being recruited in the 2013 class for the Hawkeyes, Willies was redshirted his first year before catching four passes and a touchdown in his one season of action.

  • 2

    He spent his sophomore season at Trinity Valley Community College

    After leaving Iowa, Willies did not want to sit out a year and wanted to eventually compete again at the FBS level. He enrolled into the JUCO ranks at TVCC and earned his Associate Degree.

    During his one season at TVCC, Willies caught 49 passes for 1,155 yards and 15 touchdowns.

  • 3

    His season at TVCC was full of awards

    Willies garnered first-team Southwestern Junior College Football Conference All-Conference honors and made the National Junior College All-American team.

  • 4

    He's already signed with Texas Tech

    Willies will join the Red Raiders this spring and will be a part of spring football when it gets underway in March.

  • 5

    He chose Texas Tech over other big-time programs

    Derrick Willies chose Texas Tech over football programs like the Georgia Bulldogs, the Oklahoma Sooners and Vanderbilt.

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