Texas Tech Football: 50 Greatest Red Raiders of all time

Nov 16, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders receiver Eric Ward (18) catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter against Baylor Bears cornerback K.J. Morton (8) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

No. 32 Eric Ward (Wide Receiver 2009-2012)

Next on the countdown of the greatest Texas Tech players ever is one of the most complete and accomplished Texas Tech receivers ever.

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 in the Big 12.

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-best in school history for a single season.

Due to his tremendous work ethic, Ward developed into one of the most consistant 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, Eric 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.

Next: Louis Vasquez