Texas Tech University Athletics
Where They Come From
October 09, 2002 | Football
Oct. 9, 2002
By Kristie Le, Texas Tech Media Relations
The decision to move away or to stay at home is a tough one to make for anyone at any age. Some choose to brave into the great unknown, while others are brave to remain right where they are. For five Red Raiders, the decision to remain in Lubbock was no decision at all. With a strong upbringing and deep family ties in West Texas, this is where they belong. And playing football for Texas Tech is what they want to do.
The thought of leaving Lubbock never crossed Ryan Aycock's mind. Having grown up in a close-knit family, it was only natural for the Coronado-product to remain in the Hub City.
"I love it here at Tech," the 21-year-old Aycock said. "I chose to play here and I have no regrets."
The Lubbock native grew up playing football and basebal and has become accustomed to having his family there to support and cheer him on.
"It has always been a big thing to have my family come and watch me play," Aycock said. "They've always watched me play sports since I was little."
The 6-foot junior returns for the third year as one of the key, leading defensive players. With just two games into the new season, the 21-year-old defensive back is second on the team having posted 12 unassisted tackles and 15 assisted tackles. Last season, Aycock tied for the team lead with 78 tackles and four interceptions.
This season also brings the Aycock family closer together as Greg Aycock joins big brother Ryan as a Red Raider for the first time. The two brothers grew up in the same household but never played football on the same team.
"I've always wanted to play with my brother," Ryan said of Greg. "I never got to play with him because we went to different schools. Now we have this opportunity and I like having him on the team. He's already doing a good job out there."
Marcus Boyd joins teammate Ryan Aycock on the defensive side and also hails from the windy city of West Texas. The defensive back still resides two blocks from Jones SBC Stadium and can see the Double T sign atop the stadium from his bedroom window.
"My family is here," the 6-foot Boyd said. "They come to all the games and they're my biggest supporters. We even have the Double T sign mowed into the grass of our front yard."
A product of Lubbock High School, Boyd played football, basketball and ran track. It wasn't until his junior year at LHS when he found his niche in football.
"I love to play basketball but football is where I'm best at," Boyd said. "The more I've dedicated myself to the game, the more I like it."
There's no place like home without family and friends and Boyd has found both in the Texas Tech football system.
"The defensive coaches are great, especially coach McMackin," the junior said. "They are player-oriented and I like it here."
Playing football for Texas Tech has always been a sure-fire thing for linebacker Mike Smith. The 6-foot-2 sophomore remembers his childhood days when he would watch the football games from the coaches' box with his father.
"It has always been in my blood," the 21-year-old Smith said. "My dad is a big Tech fan and playing for Tech is something I've always wanted to do since I was little."
Smith joins teammate and best friend Ryan Aycock on defense and the two players share a unique friendship. The duo played football and baseball throughout their childhood into high school and now college.
"It's pretty awesome," the linebacker said. "We're always there to encourage and support one another. We're also around each other so much that people think we're twins."
Smith has been a consistent contributor to the defense. With just two games into the season, the linebacker is currently fourth on the team in tackles with six solo and 10 assisted.
One of the newest additions to the Red Raiders roster this season is Gabe Hall who is redshirting his freshman year. Being raised by a single parent has its ups and downs, but the former Coronado product is very close to his mother and siblings.
"Growing up, it was just me and my mom for a while," the 6-foot-5 Hall said. "She works for the university and I give her credit for me being here at Tech."
It has been said that blood is thicker than water and that roots run deep, but change is a constant factor in life. Whether these Lubbock natives choose to remain in the Hub City again or leave after college, there will always be a piece of West Texas they will carry with them when they brave into the great unknown to follow bigger dreams. In the meantime, they're happy to be where they are. And there's no better place to play Texas Tech football than right here at home.
