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Texas Tech football: Five make-or-break players for 2022

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 26: Defensive lineman Tyree Wilson #19 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts after a tackle during the second half of the college football game against the Texas Longhorns on September 26, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 26: Defensive lineman Tyree Wilson #19 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts after a tackle during the second half of the college football game against the Texas Longhorns on September 26, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium 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 /

WR Jerand Bradley has the potential to be a star

The player I’m most excited to watch this fall is redshirt freshman wide receiver Jerand Bradley.  That’s because he has the potential to be Tech’s next star wide receiver.  Of course, he still has to prove it on the field. And whether or not he can step up will be one of the primary storylines of the season.

Tech lost both of last year’s starting wide receivers, Erik Ezukanman (to the NFL Draft) and Kaylon Geiger (to graduation), and no outside receiver set to return this fall had more than 168 yards last season, which was what Loic Fouonji put up.

But Bradley has reportedly been the most impressive of Tech’s young stable of big-bodied receivers this offseason.  Therefore, expectations for the 6-foot-5, 220-pounder are through the roof.

Fortunately for Tech, there appears to be plenty of talent at the inside receiver and tight end positions to help offset the lack of experience at wide receiver.  But that doesn’t mean this offense can survive without steady production from the outside pass catchers.

Between them, Bradley, Fouonji, and J.J. Sparkman, the three players thought to be the primary outside receiving options for this fall’s team, have just 25 career receptions for 422 yards.  Now, it is time for all three to step forward.

But look for Bradley to emerge as the alpha dog of this group.  He’s got all the tools needed and as last year progressed, he began to scratch the surface of what he could become.  Now, he needs to make the most of the opportunity that awaits him.

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