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Texas Tech football: Three pass catchers that could break out in 2022

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 09: Receiver Jerand Bradley #89 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs to the sideline during the second half of the college football game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 09, 2021 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 09: Receiver Jerand Bradley #89 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs to the sideline during the second half of the college football game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 09, 2021 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Dec 28, 2021; Memphis, TN, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Jerand Bradley (89) looks over his shoulder as he runs with the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Decamerion Richardson (30) tries to catch him during the second half as at Liberty Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2021; Memphis, TN, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Jerand Bradley (89) looks over his shoulder as he runs with the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Decamerion Richardson (30) tries to catch him during the second half as at Liberty Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /

Jerand Bradley has all the makings of a future star

While Kittley has been working with players who were under the radar as recruits, he now has the opportunity to develop some of the high-profile pass catchers that the Texas Tech football program has brought into the fold in recent years.  And tops on that list is redshirt freshman Jerand Bradley from DeSoto.

The former 4-star recruit in the class of 2021 now checks in at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds making him more than ready physically to handle the rigors of Big 12 play.  Now the question is whether or not he’s ready mentally to take on a starring role in the Red Raider offense.

Last year, Bradley caught just five passes for 99 yards.  But he left us with a great final impression as he caught two balls for 64 yards in the Liberty Bowl win over Mississippi State.  Included in that performance was a second-half 52-yard catch-and-run that ended at the MSU 1-yard line.

There are other physically imposing wide receivers on Tech’s roster as well.  J.J. Sparkman checks in at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds.  Last year, he caught seven balls for 86 yards and a pair of TDs.

Meanwhile, Trey Cleveland is 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds.  He’s coming off of his sophomore season in which he caught 11 passes for 141 yards and a TD.

But it has been Bradley who has been the talk of spring football, at least as it pertains to outside receivers.  With fellow former 4-star recruit Loic Fouonji not participating in spring practices due to injury, Bradley has slid into the No. 1 wide receiver role that Ezukanma occupied for the last few seasons and so far, the reviews have been positive.

So look for this physically gifted wide receiver to be a big-time weapon for Tech before his career is over.  And his path to stardom could begin this season as he looks to be the next Zach Kittley product to put up huge numbers.

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