Texas Tech football: Matt Wells praises freshmen wide receivers

Speaking to the media Monday, Texas Tech football head coach Matt Wells praised the work thus far in camp of his four true freshman wide receivers.

When the Texas Tech football team takes the field, all eyes are always on the wide receivers.  That’s because this program has had as many standout pass-catchers in the last two decades as any in the nation.

Therefore, Red Raider fans have come to almost obsess over the position as it has truly been one of the most identifiable aspects of Texas Tech football since the turn of the century.  And the good news is that there appears to be a promising crop of young receivers entering the program just as a wave of productive players are set to play their final seasons in the Hub City.

Speaking to the media on Monday, head coach Matt Wells was almost effusive with his praise of his four true freshmen receivers.

"“The young wideouts are talented,” Wells said.  “All four freshmen.  We’ve had 17 practices now with the helmets and the OTAs and half-pads and they continue to do a nice job.”"

That’s encouraging given that Tech may need at least two of the freshmen to be ready to play significant roles this fall, specifically at each outside WR spot.  In fact, the way Wells spoke of his young receivers might make one assume all four could see the field right away.

Of course, Tech fans are excited to see what Midland product Loic Fouonji has to offer.  After all, the four-star signee was the highest-rated member of the Red Raiders’ most recent signing class.  Based on what Wells had to say Monday, there’s reason to believe the hype that surrounded Fouonji’s arrival.

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"“Loic’s got a bright bright future,” Wells said as a huge smile crossed his face.  “He’s extremely smart.  He’s a driven young man.  He’s from a great family, great mom and dad.  His brother and sister are here at Tech.  [He’s a] Tech legacy.“He’s tough.  He’s tough-minded.  You know, he was a two-way player [in high school].  He’s a multiple-sport athlete; track, soccer.  He’s just steady.  He’s constant.  He’s a little bit of an old soul.  I love the kid to death.  He’s going to be a really, really good Red Raider.”"

We might get to see more of the 6-foot-4 newcomer this season than we originally thought if senior T.J. Vasher does not get his act together.  Wells said that the senior is still not practicing with the team as he continues to focus on academics.  This makes the second-straight week that he has been away from the practice field because of his need to improve in the classroom.

If Vahser misses time in the regular season for off-field issues like he did last year when he was suspended for two games, Fouonji and senior Seth Collins would be the likely candidates to take his place.  But even if Vasher is back by the time the year begins, Fouonji will get his shot.

"“I see him playing this year as a freshman,” Wells indicated of Fouonji.  “How much?  What role?  We’ll see.  There’s three more weeks left and so that’s up to Loic to define that role but I truly think he’ll play this year as a freshman.”"

Another big outside WR that Tech bought into the fold in 2020 is J.J. Sparkman from Longview.  Though he might have flown under the radar for most Red Raider fans during his recruitment, he’s opened Wells’ eyes in fall camp.

"“J.J. Sparkman has a lot of competitiveness,” Wells said.  “Quite frankly…more than I thought.  And that’s not because I thought he had a low amount by any means.  He’s surprised me.  He’s picked it up very well.”"

As a recruit, Sparkman was the No. 161 WR in the nation and the No. 138 player in Texas.  But despite not being a star recruit, he could work his way into Tech’s two-deep this year if he continues to make the type of progress he’s made thus far in August.

The second-highest ranked player in the 2020 class was Lufkin’s Ja’Lynn Polk, a 6-foot-2 outside receiver.  When asked about which players have helped themselves recently, Polk was one that Wells mentioned by name.

"“Ja’Lynn Polk stood out today,” Wells said.  “He made some nice catches.”"

The only inside receiver Tech added in the most recent recruiting cycle, Myles Price, is also in the mix for a role this fall but perhaps not at slot receiver, which may be Tech’s deepest position.  Rather, he was mentioned by Wells as a potential kickoff and punt return specialist.   Wells said that Price is dynamic with the ball in his hands and that is something Tech lacked last year in the return game.

It is encouraging to see that these young Red Raiders are already showing promise.  That’s because as soon as next year, they will form the foundation of the receiving corps being as Vasher, Dalton Rigdon, Collins, and McLane Mannix will all be out of eligibility after 2020.  Fortunately, it appears that the future of Tech’s most iconic position appears to be already on campus and already making waves.