Texas Tech Football: All-time Red Raiders roster
Y Inside Receiver
Starter: Wes Welker
The top slot receiver to ever play the game of football (collegiately or professionally) was considered too small and too slow for division one college football but is the starter on our all-time Texas Tech two-deep roster. Despite being named the Oklahoma High School football player of the decade, Welker had no division 1 scholarship offers.
But when a commit backed out on Texas Tech, Mike Leach extended an offer to Welker and the rest is Texas Tech history. With 259 receptions, Welker ranks second in program history. His best season came in 2003 (his senior season) when he caught 98 passes (5th best single season in school history) for 1,099 yards (10th best in school history).
Welker is also the best punt returner in Texas Tech history. Averaging 11.8 yards per return, Welker set an NCAA record with 8 career punt returns for touchdowns.
In the NFL, Welker has put together a career worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. He has 9,894 yards on 899 catches with 50 touchdowns. Along the way, he defined what a true slot receiver can do in an NFL offense revolutionizing the game.
Backup: Jakeem Grant
It feels odd to put the Texas Tech all-time leading receiver as a backup to anyone but that is a testament to the talent the Red Raiders have had at the inside receiver position. Grant passed Michael Crabtree in passing yards in the team’s last game against Texas on Thanksgiving of this year.
Grant earned all-conference honors in each of his four seasons at Texas Tech. He is also one of the best kickoff returners in school history averaging 25.1 yards per return with 4 touchdowns. Without question, the 5-foot-6 native of Mesquite, TX is one of the most electrifying players in program history.
Next: X Wide Receiver - Dave Parks