Vasher preparing for transition to college football

Wichita Falls (Texas) Rider wide receiver T.J. Vasher committed to the Red Raiders many months ago because he really liked the offense that Texas Tech runs. While he felt that the Red Raiders had a chance to finish much better than 7-5 this year, the high-flying offense that drew him to Texas Tech in the first place did not disappoint, however. The Red Raiders are currently No. 2 in the country in both passing offense and points per game, both stats that make Vasher excited for what is in store. He is also happy with the bond he continues to build with future quarterback Jett Duffey and future position coach Darrin Chiaverini.

Vasher's playoff run was cut short but he finished the year with 61 catches for 1,183 yards and 9 touchdowns in 12 games to close out his senior season.

WHAT'S NEXT?:

Now that the off season is about to get underway, the 6-foot-5 receiver is excited to continue to refine aspects of his game such as his speed and his route-running to better prepare him for the next level. He is also looking to pack on the pounds this offseason and is about to cross the 200-pound weight barrier with plenty more room to grow. The four-star receiver recently received a visit from Coach Chiaverini and will be taking his official visit to Tech in January. No other schools are continuing to pursue Vasher at this time. He expects to be spending a lot of time these next few months with former Texas Tech receiver and current Wichita Falls Rider coach, Eric Ward who will once again be showing Vasher the ropes in preparation for college football.

IN HIS WORDS:

"Coach Ward and I are going to start our work this week. I took a week off after football season ended to kind of rest but now I'm going right back at it and will be out there working this week," he said. "I worked with him last year a little bit and we do a lot of footwork stuff and a lot of route running. It is really good to learn from him because I have known him for so long, and he knows the process and he knows Texas Tech. I'm glad I have him to look up to and ask questions and get answers."

OUR REACTION:

Vasher's senior season is in the books, and he's already hard at work preparing himself for the future as a Red Raider pass catcher. He's learning from one of the best in Texas Tech's offensive history with Eric Ward, who was an excellent wideout for Tech on the edge three years ago. The fact that Ward knows Tech's system by heart and understands the amount of work and dedication it takes to be a premium outside receiver in the Big 12 is invaluable for Vasher, and it could help him get an enormous leg up early on if he takes Ward's teachings seriously over the next few months. -Will McKay