Texas Tech football: Takeaways from the first 2023 depth chart

Loic Fojonji listed as a starter over Jordan Brown at “X” receiver

One of the stars of fall camp for the Red Raiders was former Kansas transfer Jordan Brown who had reportedly pushed his way into contention for a starting job at outside receiver.  However, it appears that Midland native, Loic Fouonji has won that competition as he is listed as the starter at the “X” receiver.

The former 4-star recruit entered the offseason as the expected starter after racking up 34 catches for 451 yards and three touchdowns in 2022 despite being hampered for much of the season by a shoulder injury that prevented him from raising his arm over his head.  However, there has been little buzz about Fouonji since the start of camp leading many to surmise that he might lose his starting job to Brown who was repeatedly praised by Joey McGuire for his play in practice and scrimmages.

What is interesting about this position on the depth chart is that the word “or” is not between Fouonji and Brown signifying that Fouonji has won the job outright.  That’s not to suggest that Brown won’t get plenty of targets.  What’s more, Brown will be a key special teams weapon as the team’s top kickoff returner after he made a splash in that role last fall.

In the end, Fouonji has more upside than Brown.  At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, he can run away from many defensive backs while also playing a physical brand of football when needed.

Meanwhile, Brown is not as much of a physical mismatch.  At 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, he doesn’t have the frame that Fouonji possesses.

Therefore, it stands to reason that Fouonji would be the starter.  While Brown will be heard from, Fouonji’s ceiling is higher and now that he’s entering the season healthy, he could be in line for a breakout campaign.