How Texas Tech’s youngest receivers will make the biggest impact

Stop me if you have heard this question before.

How will Texas Tech replace its receiving production next year?

Last year this question had plenty of merit. Then came Antoine Wesley. Wesley had only ten catches in 2017 and there were serious doubts about the receiving core going into 2018. Wesley picked up the slack pulling in a Big 12 leading 88 receptions, and nine touchdowns. Ja’Deion High stepped it up in 2018 as well, going from seven receptions to 62. And while Texas Tech seemingly finds ways to crack out NFL receivers, people still ask. Who is going to replace them?

The obvious answer here is T.J. Vasher. Vasher will undoubtedly be the next Texas Tech wide receiver playing on Sunday in the NFL. Because he his the Red Raider’s most known commodity, I expect him to draw the most attention when crossing the opponents secondary. So which young receiver gets the call when Vasher draws a double?

KeSean Carter

Photo by John Weast/Getty Images

It seems like every time KeSean Carter touches the ball, he’s trying to make a house call. Carter is probably my favorite Tech pass catcher since Jakeem Grant, probably because they are the same type player. Lightning fast and not afraid of anybody. I think it’s very possible Carter leads the team in targets working out of the slot this season.

Erik Ezukanma

One of the teams underclassman captains is ready to step up in a big way. Kliff Kingsbury did the right thing giving Ezukanma the red shirt last season. The former four-star recruit was the highest rated player in the class of 2018.

Ezukanma has won the favor of his teammates and the coaching staff, and figures to get a ton of snaps on the outside next season.

Myller Royals

Like Ezukanma, Royals was a recruit in the class of 2018 who saw limited snaps last season. The redshirt freshman got in a little bit of trouble last season (charges were dropped), but I think he’s ready to put that behind him. At 6’ 5” Royals has the size to play on the outside, but I expect to see him lining up all over the field in David Yost’s offense.

Caden Leggett

Leggett appeared in four games last season, and only pulled in one reception. However, with TJ Vasher and Seth Collins frequently sidelined with injury, Leggett got a bunch of reps with Alan Bowman and the first team offense last season. Leggett appeared in all four games leading up to his redshirt, and is looking to benefit from the new rule.

Who do you think is primed to step up this season? Comment below!