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Texas Tech football: The top Red Raider from each season of the Big 12 era

By Matthew Conner

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Patrick Mahomes II #5 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders warming up before the game against the Baylor Bears on November 25, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 54-35. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Patrick Mahomes II #5 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders warming up before the game against the Baylor Bears on November 25, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 54-35. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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Joel Filani of Texas Tech runs with a reception. (Photo by G. N. Lowrance/Getty Images)
Joel Filani of Texas Tech runs with a reception. (Photo by G. N. Lowrance/Getty Images) /

2006: Joel Filani

The 2006 Texas Tech football team was remarkably balanced with no player as the outright best on the team.  Graham Harrell threw for over 4,500 yards, RB Shannon Woods was just shy of 1,500 yards from scrimmage, and Robert Johnson caught 89 passes.

But the only first-team All-Big 12 performer was senior outside receiver Joel Filani.  Currently serving as wide receivers coach under Matt Wells, the Phoenix, Arizona native caught 91 passes for 1,300 yards and 13 TDs in 2006.  Those receptions and yardage totals are good for 9th and 6th all-time for a single season in Texas Tech football history.  What’s more, he set career highs in all three categories as he put up his second-straight 1,000-yard season.

Filani’s best performance statistically that season was an 8-catch, 212-yard, 3-TD game against Baylor.  He also had four 100-yard games.

But perhaps his most memorable game was his Red Raider finale.  With 11 grabs for 162 yards and a TD, he was a huge part of Tech’s historic 35-point comeback over Minnesota in the Insight Bowl.

You don’t have to go far down the list of all-time great Texas Tech wide receivers before you get to Filani.  He is one of only three players at that position to earn All-Big 12 honors twice (joining Jarrett Hicks and Michael Crabtree) and in 2006, he put up his best season as a Red Raider.

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