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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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Sep 11, 2021; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Xavier White (14) scores a touchdown against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Xavier White (14) scores a touchdown against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Xavier White is back at receiver

There’s no position on the roster in better shape than the running backs given that both Tahj Brooks and Sarodorick Thompson are back for another campaign.  And given that they are backed up by promising redshirt freshman Cam’ron Valdez and productive incoming freshman Bryson Donnell, there is plenty of stability at that spot.

Thus, that has allowed the Red Raiders to move senior Xavier White back to inside receiver.  And given what we’ve seen from him in the past, that might be his best position.

The Lubbock native started his Red Raider career in the slot after transferring in from the JUCO ranks.  And in his first four games there, he was dynamic as he grabbed 10 balls for 159 yards and a TD.  That included a 5-catch, 107-yard debut in which he scored his only touchdown of 2019.

But remember that former offensive coordinator David Yost utilized only one slot receiver at a time meaning that the snaps at that position were limited.  Thus, in an attempt to get White the ball more often, he was moved to running back prior to 2020.

There, he was serviceable as he amassed 746 yards and 5 TDs over the past two seasons.  But now, he’s back at receiver and he could be a breakout star.

Also moved to inside receiver is senior Chadarius Townsend, who had been strictly a running back since coming to Lubbock after his time with Alabama.  But given that he has a limited history as a receiver, less is expected of him this season.

So keep an eye on Xavier White this spring and during the 2022 season because he could see the field quite a bit in the slot.  And based on the little we’ve seen of him as a receiver, he could be one of the surprise stars of the upcoming season.

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