Texas Tech senior Ja’Deion High was named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday in a vote by media who regularly cover the league.
High, who earned his first Big 12 weekly award, came up with a key punt block just before halftime in Tech’s victory this past Saturday over Arizona State. High raced up the middle of Arizona State’s protection and blocked a Michael-Sleep-Dalton punt that set up a Red Raider scoring drive.
The Red Raiders started their next drive at the Arizona State 27 yard line, giving the high-octane Tech offense a short field to travel for a touchdown in the final minute of the half. Tech found the endzone via a Nic Shimonek 14-yard pass to Dylan Cantrell to take a 35-17 lead at the break.
High’s blocked punt marked Tech’s first since current Detroit Lions defensive lineman Kerry Hyder got his hand on an Oklahoma State punt attempt in 2013. Tech is one of just two schools in the Big 12 to block a punt so far this season and one of 17 nationally to do so.
In addition to his blocked punt, High also recorded a tackle in his role on kickoff coverage. He played on three of Tech’s special teams units against the Sun Devils while also seeing considerable time at wide receiver.
High, a native of Hereford, Texas, is the first Red Raider to garner Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors since Michael Barden claimed the award late in the 2016 season (Nov. 14). He is the first non-kicker to be honored since Jakeem Grant received the honor twice during the 2015 campaign.
High and the Red Raiders head on the road for the first time this season on Saturday as Tech travels to face Houston in an 11 a.m. kickoff. Television coverage will be provided regionally on ABC with a reverse mirror on ESPN2.
(Courtesy: Texas Tech Sports Communications Department)
