Player of the Week: Erik Ezukanma

It was a tough week to win Player of the Week for the Red Raiders. There were at least four legitimate candidates following Tech’s big opening win over Houston including quarterback Tyler Shough and defensive back Reggie Pearson. In the end, the people picked wide receiver Erik Ezukanma.

Ezukanma had a wildly impressive opener, notching seven receptions and 179 yards on the day. He also had one of the biggest plays of the game in the fourth quarter. With the Red Raiders ahead by 3 points looking to put the game out of reach, Ezukanma caught a deep 50-yard pass from Shough while falling to his back. A few plays later Xavier White found his way into the endzone and the Red Raiders clinched the victory.

Ezukanma’s breakout was not much of a surprise to most Red Raider fans since he showed so many flashes last season with Alan Bowman and Henry Colombi under center. This year with Tyler Shough, who was also wildly impressive against Houston, he seems to have legitimate All-American potential. Shough connected with Ezukanma four more times than with any other of his wide receivers. Tight end Travis Koontz had four receptions as well.

Ezukanma and the Red Raiders will look to build on Saturday’s win later this week at their home opener against Stephen F. Austin.