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Texas Tech football all-decade team: The receivers

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 14: Jakeem Grant #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders gets yards after making a catch against the Kansas State Wildcats on November 14, 2015 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won the game 59-44. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 14: Jakeem Grant #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders gets yards after making a catch against the Kansas State Wildcats on November 14, 2015 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won the game 59-44. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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Eric Ward #18 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Carrington Byndom #23 of the Texas Longhorns (Photo by Erich Schlegel/Getty Images)
Eric Ward #18 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Carrington Byndom #23 of the Texas Longhorns (Photo by Erich Schlegel/Getty Images) /

Outside receiver: Eric Ward

Wichita Falls native Eric Ward was a 4-star high school receiver who picked Tech over Oklahoma only because the dorms in Lubbock opened a week before the dorms in Norman.  At the time, he was homeless.

That was Tech’s blessing because from 2010-14 he proved to be one of this program’s most consistent receivers.  He’s only the second Tech player to have three-straight seasons of at least 800 yards receiving joining Detron Lewis, and when he graduated he was one of only two men to rank in the top five all-time for receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and receptions at Texas Tech.  The other is some guy named Michael Crabtree.

Now he ranks sixth in Tech history with 2,863 yards, third with 31 touchdowns, and third in receptions at 255.  That despite the fact that he never had a truly monster season.

His best year came in 2012 when had 82 receptions for 1,053 yards and 12 touchdowns.  His consistency was remarkable as he had 83 catches in 2013 and 84 in 2011.  That’s the type of player coaches love because they know what they can count on from him.

At just 6-feet, 205-pounds, he was one of the most physical receivers to ever play for the Red Raiders.  Never possessing blazing speed, he was more than comfortable going up to battle for the ball and the usually came down with the catch.

Ward’s story of going from homelessness to being a 3-time honorable mention All-Big 12 honoree is truly inspiring.  But more than just an inspiration, he was a fantastic receiver in the first four years of this decade.

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