Texas Tech sophomore wide receiver T.J. Vasher was named Tuesday to the watch list for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, which is presented annually to the top offensive player in the FBS with ties to the state of Texas.
This is the first career preseason watch list for Vasher, who heads into the 2018 campaign as Texas Tech’s top returning receiver after hauling in 29 passes for 545 yards and six touchdowns a year ago. His 545 yards and six touchdowns ranked third on the team among a receiving core that sent four wideouts to NFL training camps.
Vasher compiled the majority of his catches late in the season as he started in the final four games as well as in the Birmingham Bowl. He caught all but two of his passes during the final eight games, which included two 100-yard performances during that stretch against West Virginia and Texas.
Vasher, a native of Wichita Falls, Texas, became a consistent big play threat as he ended the season ranked seventh in the Big 12 and 22nd nationally in receiving yards per reception (18.8). Four of his six touchdown receptions came on strikes of 20 yards or longer, two of which that went for at least 50 yards.
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award recognizes the top offensive player in the FBS who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity; specifically tenacity in persistence and determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals.
In addition the nominee must meet one of the following criteria: born in Texas and/or graduated from a Texas high school and/or played as a Texas-based junior college or a four-year Division I Texas university.
Vasher and the Red Raiders open the 2018 season Sept. 1 against in the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff from NRG Stadium in Houston. Kickoff is slated for 11 a.m. with coverage provided nationally on ESPN and the Texas Tech Sports Network.
(Courtesy: Texas Tech Sports Communications Department)