Receivers grabbing attention

For arguably the first time in three years, Texas Tech senior Jarrett Hicks ran into something that could hold him back.

Cornerbacks and safeties had failed to stop Jarrett, a wide receiver, who set a school record with 28 touchdown catches through his first three seasons. But Hicks couldn’t outrun academic ineligibility.

The preseason All-American was limited to a sideline view to start the season, while the university submitted new information to the NCAA about Hicks’ academic status.

“It’s always frustrating when you’re not on the field,” Hicks said. “It’s part of the game though.”

Three games, including a loss to TCU where the high-octane Red Raiders’ offense scored a meager three points, went by before the Red Raiders exhaled a sigh of relief. The NCAA granted Hicks a waiver to play before Tech’s Sept. 23 contest against Southeastern Louisiana State, effectively bringing back one of the best receivers to wear a Red Raiders uniform.

Last season, Hicks led all Big 12 Conference receivers with 65 catches, 10 of which were for touchdowns, and racked up 850 yards receiving.

While he might not have been playing on the first few Saturdays in September, Hicks kept practicing and took on a new perspective. And if opposing defenses didn’t already have a demanding enough task at hand, Hicks said his absence has made an already prolific offense even better.

“Me sitting out those three games really helped me be a vocal leader,” said Hicks, who ranks fourth in the Big 12 in career touchdown receptions. “I watch those games like a fan would, so I can tell those guys about what I see from the sidelines.”

Two of those guys who excelled during Hicks’ absence were fellow senior wide receivers Joel Filani and Robert Johnson. Filani, an All-Big 12 selection last year, ranks in the nation’s top 20 with 89.2 receiving yards per game. Johnson, a Big 12 second team selection in 2005, ranks seventh nationally with 7.6 points per game and leads the team with 38 receptions.

“It’s been fun watching them play,” Hicks said. “They’ve definitely shown growth since the offseason. We put in the time, and now we’re seeing the fruits of that practice.”

Since Hicks’ return, the productivity from Johnson and Filani hasn’t diminished. Johnson doubled his touchdown receptions for the season Saturday when he caught three against Texas A&M, including a highlight-reel, winning 37-yarder to stun the Aggies, while Filani led the team with 10 receptions.

It’s yet another example of how wide receivers

thrive under coach Mike Leach. They play right into his offensive system. Pass for a ton of yards. Score a lot of points.

The Red Raiders have claimed four straight NCAA passing titles, and new quarterback Graham Harrell is aiming for No. 5. The team has 33.8 points per game so far this season, slightly better than Missouri’s average of 33.4.

Having Hicks back in the mix gives Harrell an added option. While Hicks’ statistics, five catches for 41 yards, Saturday wouldn’t cause anyone to take a second look, don’t expect those numbers to stay low for too long. Leach said he is looking to make Hicks more of a focal point as the season progresses.

There’s a strong argument to be made that the three seniors comprise one of the best receiving units in the nation, and going into Saturday’s matchup, the Tigers are preparing for the inevitable all-out offensive attack.

“I think they’re a real physical bunch,” said Matt Eberflus, Missouri’s defensive coordinator. “They’re arguably one of the better receiving corps that are in the country. Obviously, No. 1, it’s because they throw the ball a lot, but No. 2, it’s because they’re pretty doggone good, too.”

But while the numbers might suggest it, Hicks isn’t ready to go quite that far yet.

“I guess I’ll leave that to you all to decide,” he said. “Coach Leach stresses that we only worry about us. We want to become the best receiving corps we can be, but I don’t spend too much time following other groups of receivers.”