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Texas Tech football: Goals for T.J. Vasher in 2020 season

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: T.J. Vasher #9 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders interacts with fans before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Arizona State Sun Devils on September 16, 2017 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won the game 52-45. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: T.J. Vasher #9 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders interacts with fans before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Arizona State Sun Devils on September 16, 2017 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won the game 52-45. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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T.J. Vasher #9 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
T.J. Vasher #9 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

Play a full 12-game season

The most important stat we need to watch for when it comes to Vasher this fall is simply how many games he plays.  That’s because he’s yet to play a full 12 games in a season.

The reasons for his absences have been varied.  In 2016, he missed all but one game due to a knee injury suffered in his college debut.

In 2018, he missed the West Virginia game with a knee sprain.  But it was what happened in 2019 that he must avoid.

Last year, he was suspended for the West Virginia and TCU games because of off-field issues.  That’s a sign of the maturity problems that have been part of his struggles since he arrived.

All the way back in 2016, then head coach Kliff Kingsbury commented on Vasher’s need to become more dependable outside of what happens on Saturdays.  After Vasher’s college debut, concerns about his work away from the field were already surfacing.

"“His approach isn’t where it needs to be, or anywhere close,” Kingsbury said.  “Physically, he’s very gifted, but he’s got to grow up.”"

Of course, that maturity was again a question last year when he was suspended in the middle of Big 12 play when his team was desperate for wins.  But fortunately, Matt Wells has had positive updates on his senior receiver this offseason.

"“Really proud of T.J. the last three months,” Wells said after an early spring practice workout in March. “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. “The way he comes into the building, he’s ready. This is a T.J. Vasher, I think at this point, that we all want right now. He’s really working on his game. I think he has a chance to, if he stays focused and does what he needs to do, he’ll have a really good senior year.”"

This year, he absolutely must stay on the field for an entire 12 games.  That’s because, behind him there are no ready-to-play options as there was last year when grad transfer R.J. Turner stepped up in his absence.

Seniors are supposed to lead by example both on and off the field.  That’s the role Vasher now must assume but is he ready for that responsibility?  If so, he will be able to have his greatest impact yet.

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