Where are they now? – Joseph Plunk

Ever since Joseph Plunk graduated from Tascosa High School in 2020 he’s continued to succeed at the next level in more ways than one.

Coming out of Tascosa as one of the most highly decorated high school players to wear the Rebel uniform as well as come from the Texas Panhandle, Plunk had to make the transition from star player to earning his spot on the roster as a walk-on at Texas Tech University.

With football scholarship offers on the table from other programs, Texas Tech was the goal for Plunk, and it’s paid off as he’ll begin his fifth and final year wearing the scarlet and black come August.

“I’ve never had any regrets on my decision to come to Texas Tech,” Plunk said. “When they told me that I’d have a chance to play in front of 50,000 plus each week that was big to me. I bet on myself and I’m grateful to be a part of this program. “

Plunk’s father and Tascosa head football coach, Ken Plunk, has been with his son every step of the way. Making the trip to Lubbock in the fall on Saturday’s has been a highlight for Ken over the past four years and watching Plunk live out a goal has been what he’s always wanted for him.

“Joseph has never doubted his decision,” Ken said. “He’s built great relationships and great friends at Texas Tech. What I’m happy about the most is, Joseph knows that the program isn’t him at all, and he is there to do his part and make it better.”

Plunk, now 22-years-old, shattered records in his two years as the Tascosa quarterback in 2018-2019 helping lead the Rebels to their best seasons in school history with state semifinal and state quarterfinal appearances.

Groomed from 6-years old, Plunk became arguably the best option quarterback that’s come through the Tascosa system finishing his illustrious career with an immaculate 4,245 yards rushing with 53 career touchdowns.

That’s just scratching the surface when it comes to talking about Plunk’s accolades that still remain on the board at Tascosa.

However, being undersized at 5-foot-10, 180-pounds, Plunk knew the challenges of playing Division I football in the Big 12. He faced it head on clawing his way to respect.

Especially with third-year head coach Joey McGuire.

“Joseph is absolutely amazing,” McGuire said. “When you talk about the hardest working most competitive person on the team that’s who Joseph is. He’s a tough player and a great teammate. He has a high football IQ and he’s everything right about Texas Tech and West Texas.”

Over the past four years, Plunk may not be the household name to the Red Raider faithful, but he is inside the walls of the program, and he is to the many hearts of Amarillo fans that follow him.

After a slow start of not seeing any playing time his first two years, Plunk has become a staple on the roster the past two seasons for Texas Tech as a key member of the special teams while being a key backup in the secondary.

Where he’s earned his respect with McGuire and the coaching staff the most is his knowledge for the game.

Plunk recently graduated in sports management and could have called it a playing career. Instead, he decided to go one more year and provide his valuable insight to the team meetings.

“Joseph is going to have a great year for us,” McGuire said. “. He’s moved up on the depth chart, he plays all three safety positions and is a top special teams player. To me he’s one of the best special teams players we have and in the conference.”

While professional football may not be in the cards, Plunk has all the makings of following in the family business. He’s basically been a coach his entire life and after his playing days are done, the next great young coach in the college football world may be upon us.

“I feel like I’m a student of game and I always have been,” Plunk said. “I take it seriously and I love to teach especially the young defensive backs we have. This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’ve been around it my entire life.”

McGuire echoed Plunk’s comments.

“Joseph will be an incredible coach one day,” McGuire said. “I can see him coaching at any level. I hope he sticks in college, but people would be crazy not to hire him and give him a chance.”