The Top 50 Greatest Texas Tech Red Raiders of All-Time: No. 34 – 30
No. 30 Eric Ward (WR 2009 – 2013):
Dec 30, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders receiver Eric Ward (18) gets away from a defender during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Texas Tech won 37-23. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
As National Signing Day 2009 drew close, Eric Ward was verbally committed to Oklahoma. However, the standout wide receiver from Wichita Falls, TX unexpectedly changed his commitment to the Red Raiders, eventually becoming one of the most reliable receivers Tech has ever had.
Ward is the fifth all-time leading receiver in program history with 2,863-yards receiving. His 31 career touchdowns are good for third in school history, and his 12 touchdown receptions in 2012 have him tied with two others for seventh in school history.
Due to his tremendous work ethic, Ward developed into one of the most reliable receivers in the nation. During a 2012 contest versus Baylor, Ward grabbed a school record 16 receptions (two short of the conference record).
Named a 2013 All-Conference second-team member, Ward is one of only two Tech receivers (along with Michael Crabtree) in school history to catch at least 11 touchdown passes in consecutive seasons. In January, the former Red Raider signed a free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately, Ward was released on May 1, 2015.