Texas Tech football: Early 2020 signee superlatives

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Most likely to surprise: WR J.J. Sparkman

Lost in the hype of the signings of the top two players in this class, receivers Loic Fouonji and Ja’Lynn Polk, is the addition of J.J. Sparkman from Longview, Texas. The 6-foot-3, 204-pounder is the No. 113 player in Texas and No. 135 receiver in his class proving that he’s no slouch.

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What makes him intriguing is his ability to go up and get the ball at its highest point, a skill he honed as a rebounder for his high school basketball team. What’s more, he’s a high-jumper for his track team, which could make him a red-zone target that is used in a manner similar to current Red Raider T.J. Vasher.

This fall, he pulled in 39 passes for 725 yards and eight touchdowns and averaged 18.6 yards per catch. That’s why programs such as Arkansas, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri were interested in his services.

In recent years, we’ve come to consider a player’s catch radius as a legitimate stat even though it is impossible to precisely quantify. But the idea that some players are able to pull in more off-target passes than others because of their length and athleticism is real and that’s what Sparkman brings to the table.

He’s the type of receiver who could become a QB’s best friend, especially on third down. In that regard, he might be reminiscent of Eric Ward, a former 4-star WR who played much larger than his 6-foot frame.

We all love receivers with world-class speed but that’ isn’t Sparkman’s game. But he is a sure-handed receiver who could turn into a chain-mover and that’s something every team needs. That’s why we won’t be shocked to see the lowest-rated receiver in this year’s Red Raider class turn out to be one of the most productive of the 2020 signees.

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