Texas Tech football: Matt Wells discusses spring progress

WR T.J. Vasher looks to finally be maturing

The most frustrating player on the Texas Tech football roster is senior wide receiver T.J. Vasher.  From the moment that the Wichita Falls product stepped on campus, he’s fascinated fans with his 6-foot-6 frame and uncanny athleticism (he was both an all-state football and basketball player in H.S.) while also failing to become as dependable as he is freakish.

Now entering his final offseason as a Red Raider, he is one of the keys to the 2020 team’s success.  That’s because he is the only upperclassman wide receiver on the roster who has proven capable of being a legitimate Big 12-caliber player.

Fortunately, Wells indicated that the light might be starting to finally come on for Vasher.  In fact, the head coach praised the player who missed two games last season when he was suspended for off-field issues.

"“Really proud of T.J. the last three months,” Wells said.  “He’s changed his focus, in terms of his priorities.  When I say that I mean, my daily routine to my habits matching up with my goals and my dreams…He’s gained 15 pounds…The way he comes into the building, he’s ready to go.  This is the T.J. Vasher…at this point…that we all want right now.”"

In 2019, his 515 receiving yards were his lowest since his true freshman season when he appeared in just one game because of injury.  What’s more, his 12.3 yards per catch was also his lowest of the three full seasons he’s played.

He was so untrustworthy last fall that he lost his starting job to grad transfer R.J. Turner.  That and his two-game suspension led many to wonder if he was destined for the transfer portal.

But now, it appears as if he’s back in his coaching staff’s good graces and everyone in the Scarlet and Black will be better for it if he stays there.  That’s because he could take this season’s offense to a new level if he finally becomes a true lead receiver the likes of which his physical gifts suggest he should be.

Last season, Vasher had no more than six catches in a game and he managed to surpass 100 yards just once.  But if the new and improved Vasher can keep his head on straight through the offseason and maximize his potential in the fall, he could be one of the Big 12’s best receivers, which is what we’ve been waiting on him to develop into for over four years.