Texas Tech football: The biggest JUCO flops in Red Raider history
WR Javon Bell
Finally, let’s move to the offensive side of the football. That’s where the Red Raiders were counting on JUCO WR Javon Bell to make an impact after he signed in 2012 out of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
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One of the top high school players in the nation in 2010, he held offers from the likes of USC, Florida, and Arkansas but could not qualify academically. Therefore, the Jacksonville, FL native headed to the JUCO ranks.
When he signed with the Red Raiders over South Carolina two years later, most expected him to become a star in the Red Raiders’ “Air Raid” offense. However, that never happened.
He spent only one season in Lubbock making 17 catches for 269 yards and a touchdown in four games before a foot injury ended his season. He would not return in 2013. Once a dynamic wide receiver with loads of potential, Bell’s career-high in receiving yards at Tech was just 81, which came against Texas State in his Red Raider debut.
Next. Best JUCO players in Texas Tech football history. dark
Fortunately for the Red Raiders, a JUCO flame out at the wide receiver position is easier to absorb given the talent Tech is able to bring in at the position on an annual basis. But in 2012, the Red Raiders also signed 4-star high school receiver Dominique Wheeler, who was a bust as well leaving Reginald Davis as the lone receiver in his class to become a regular contributor.