Texas Tech football: Red Raiders that can help salvage 2023 season

Texas Tech is still waiting on Jerand Bradley to dominate

With Morton back to lead the offense, there should be no more excuses for the Tech wide receivers.  That means that preseason All-Big 12 honoree Jerand Bradley needs to finally start to make his presence felt in 2023.

Thus far, last season’s leading receiver has been a shell of his former self.  With only 30 catches for 319 yards and four TDs, he’s made little impact this year.

Bradley is yet to put up a 100-yard game in 2023.  What’s more, since starting with back-to-back games of at least 83 yards to open the year, he’s not had more than 46 yards in a game since.

Now, in fairness, not all of this is Bradley’s fault.  With Strong manning the QB spot the last two weekends, the passing game has been limited, to say the least.

What’s more, Tech’s new-found love of the running game has meant that there have been fewer passes attempted.  Naturally, that leads to fewer receptions for all receivers.

However, Bradley is supposed to be this team’s best weapon in the passing game.  His 6-foot-6 frame makes him a size mismatch against any defensive back and he should be a player Tech goes to on critical downs or in the red zone.

He hasn’t even been a secondary option for this offense, though.  In recent weeks, we’ve seen players such as Myles Price, Xavier White, and redshirt freshman Koy Eakin all make huge plays while Bradley has been just a decoy.

Now, with Morton set to return, perhaps Bradley will come back to life.  He should have more chemistry with Morton than he has with Strong and the offense will likely be more balanced with a healthier Morton throwing the ball.  Hopefully, Bradley will find a way to be a difference-maker again because this offense could really use some production from its wide receivers.