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His bio:

James Blanchard was named the first member of Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire's charter staff as he serves as General Manager and oversees the Red Raiders' recruiting operation.

Blanchard joined McGuire in Lubbock immediately upon his hire, reshaping the Red Raiders’ entire recruiting process from scouting to on-campus visits as part of Texas Tech’s unique model that resembles an NFL front office. Blanchard and his staff identify are responsible for identifying every prospect Texas Tech ultimately offers a scholarship opportunity, allowing McGuire and his coaching staff to prioritize player development and scouting, especially during the season.

That setup has transformed the Red Raiders’ roster in just two seasons as Texas Tech is coming off consecutive top-25 classes. Texas Tech’s 2023 class ranked as high as No. 23 nationally by Rivals, marking its highest-rated class in more than a decade. Its 2024 class, meanwhile, also ranked as high as No. 23 nationally and was the highest-rated class in the Big 12. The Red Raiders previously signed a top-40 ranked class in 2022 in the month after McGuire’s hire, a considerable jump from where Texas Tech ranked prior to his arrival.

Considered one of the top personnel directors in college football, Blanchard was the first major addition to McGuire’s staff as he was identified as one of the top rising personnel and recruiting staffers in college football by On3.com in August 2022. Blanchard was previously in the midst of his second stint as Baylor’s Assistant Athletics Director for scouting prior to immediately joining McGuire upon his hire.

Blanchard rejoined the Baylor football staff in January 2021 as he was responsible for identifying and pursuing prospective scholarship student-athletes. He previously served as Director of Recruiting for the Bears from March 2019 to May 2020 before accepting a position with the Carolina Panthers in the NFL.

While with the Panthers, Blanchard was responsible for breaking down opponent film and evaluating potential free agents for Carolina's front office. He departed Baylor for the NFL alongside former Baylor head coach Matt Rhule, who accepted the Panthers head coaching position following the 2019 season.

A native of Orange, Texas, Blanchard was a member of the football program at West Orange-Stark High School before later studying psychology at Lamar University.

He is married to the former Kiara Fowler. The couple has five children – Kenley, Karrington, Karter, Kali and Kason.