Countdown to Kickoff: 27 Days

PREVIOUS COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF ENTRIES: 50 | 49 | 48 | 47 | 46 | 45 | 44 | 43 | 42

41 | 40 | 39 | 38 | 37 | 36 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28

Texas Tech's 2016 football season will begin in exactly 27 days with a Sept. 3 kickoff against Stephen F. Austin.

Today, we continue our Countdown to Kickoff series with a notable way the number 27 relates to Red Raider football.

Wes Welker, nicknamed "The Natural," is one of the best and most productive football players to play during Texas Tech's Air Raid era.

Welker was a versatile wide receiver for the Red Raiders from 2000-03, accounting for a program record 5,730 all-purpose yards during his career. He was equally dangerous as a wide receiver and on special teams, where he set an NCAA record with eight punt return touchdowns. Welker was a two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection.

The Oklahoma City native signed as an undrafted free agent first with the San Diego Chargers and, following his release, then the Miami Dolphins in 2004. He spent three productive, if unspectacular, seasons with the Dolphins before being traded to the New England Patriots before the 2007 season. Welker blossomed with the Patriots, putting up staggering numbers - 672 receptions, 7,459 yards, 37 touchdowns - in seven seasons. During his career, Welker earned two first-team All-Pro honors and made five Pro Bowls.

Welker has been announced as a 2016 inductee into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame.

Tomorrow: 26 - We look at an example of Texas Tech's stable of prolific pass catchers.