GAMES
RANKINGS
Katy three-star linebacker Ty Kana poses for a photo with his parents on Early Signing Day on Wednesday morning at Katy High School.
Katy LB Kana finds home with McGuire's Red Raiders
It didn’t take long for new Texas Tech football coach Joey McGuire to make an impression on Katy three-star linebacker Ty Kana.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Kana decommitted from the University of Southern California on Oct. 25. He ultimately found a football soulmate in McGuire, a highly regarded leader in Texas high school and college coaching circles who was hired to lead the Red Raiders on Nov. 8.
“I like Coach McGuire,” said Kana, who held 13 offers, including Baylor, Oklahoma State, and SMU. “I like what he’s building over there. That program has the opportunity upon it to become a powerhouse. The recruiting class Coach McGuire has gotten in the past month … he’s got the recruits. We’ve got the talent.
“Things are going to change in Lubbock pretty soon.”
McGuire got his start in the high school ranks. He led Cedar Hill to three state championships in 2006, 2013 and 2014 before going to Baylor. He was an associate head coach and linebackers coach with the Bears before accepting the gig in Lubbock.
“His brand of football, going all the way back to his high school days at Cedar Hill, is freaking physical, hard-nosed, put your head down and work,” Kana said. “That kind of football, like what we pride ourselves on here at Katy. He likes that, and I liked seeing that he’s going to put that on his program at Texas Tech. That’s one of the things that stood out to me.”
Kana was a three-year letterman and team captain at Katy. He compiled 304 total tackles with 31 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and a fumble caused in helping lead Katy to a 39-3 record over the last three seasons and the 2020 Class 6A-Division II state championship.
“There’s nothing in the world I would trade for my time as a Katy Tiger,” Kana said. “It’s been a great four years. Lots of memories, lots of teammates that have come and gone. It’s been a wild four years for me.”
Katy four-star receiver Nic Anderson poses for a photo with his parents Jobie and Rod on Early Signing Day on Wednesday morning at Katy High School.
Katy four-star WR Anderson stays true to OU
Even with head coach Lincoln Riley bolting for USC last month, Katy four-star receiver Nic Anderson stayed true to Oklahoma. Anderson believes the program is bigger than any coach.
On Early Signing Day on Wednesday morning, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound playmaker’s actions supported his words, as he officially signed with the Sooners.
“It’s a great program,” Anderson said. “You’ve seen the Sooners over the years, multiple coaches … it’s not about the coach, it’s about the program. I really believe in that. But it also helped that they brought in a great coach in Coach (Brent) Venables.”
Anderson will play for the same school his older brother, Rodney, starred for.
“My brother was going to support me regardless, but he was definitely excited I’m going to have the same alma mater he did,” Anderson said. “It’s great. I already know the ropes around OU. I’ve been there a couple times to visit him. He’s excited and I’m excited.”
Anderson was a team captain for the Tigers this season. The two-year letterman compiled 1,158 yards and 12 touchdowns on 59 catches over two seasons, averaging 19.6 yards per catch. Anderson missed five games this season with various injuries.
Anderson helped Katy to a 27-2 record and the 2020 Class 6A-Division II state championship.
“This program is something else,” he said of Katy. “I haven’t seen any high school like it. The discipline, the leadership … everything involved with what Coach (Gary) Joseph rides on. Doing your best. All the morals he instills in us. He’s a great coach. It’s a great program. I feel like it’s definitely going to help me at the next level.”
Anderson held 29 offers. He initially committed to Oregon in June before decommitting on Nov. 1. Not long after, he turned his attention to the Sooners, and never wavered even when Riley surprisingly departed for the west coast.
“I was never worried about if OU was going to rise or fall,” Anderson said. “I knew it was going to be the same OU it’s always been.”