T.J. Vasher is a basketball power-forward type of receiver, where he’s able to high point the football and able to secure the catch. He’s got underrated movement skills for being so large, which were on display in two good games against the Texas Longhorns (2020) and Houston Baptist Huskies (2020). The tools and size are there to develop, however, there should be some concern over play strength, release, and when cornerbacks get physical with him. As well, on his pro day, he came in at 6’5.5″, and 203 lbs, which was underwhelming considering he’s listed as 215 lbs.
Player Bio
Name: T.J. Vasher
Jersey: #9
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Texas Tech
Class: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 203 lbs
Speed (7.25/10)
Vasher has underrated speed on film but isn’t going to beat defenders because of it. Showed deceptive control over speed, allowing him to draw defenders in and then beat them once he kicked into the highest gear. However, Vasher does not have the long speed to beat defenders vertically and may have to win with physicality and contested catches in the NFL.
Athleticism (7.5/10)
Vasher moves well for being 6’6”, but does not have the play strength you would expect. When he is untouched off the line, he has the explosiveness and is effective. However, going back to the 203 lbs aspect, he does not have the expected play strength, making him a lengthy receiver who did not separate well, and is left to make contested catches.
Route Running/Separation (5.75/10)
No separation when the defender got hands on Vasher. You expect Vasher to be a contested-catch receiver and not someone who separates particularly well in the NFL. He needs to learn nuances of route running technique and put it into practice consistently, and once he does it’ll assist him with boxing out defenders.
Hands (6.75/10)
Vasher looks like he could palm a football in the air, and consistently shows great technique on accurately thrown footballs. He was not able to consistently make plays on poorly thrown passes. Overall, Vasher has good hands and it is something that may improve with NFL coaching.
Run after Catch (6.25/10)
Vasher doesn’t do anything special with the ball in his hands. Saw a few screens where he demonstrated the ability to make a defender miss but isn’t as effective on hitches and slants. He doesn’t have elusiveness as he’s large but doesn’t have the strength to match size.
Contested Catch (8/10)
There are some dominant catches on film where he is opening up his body and squeezes the football in. Tracking ability is easily his best skill, however, there were not many instances of defenders getting clear swats at the balls.
TJ Vasher is awesome.
This TD catch puts Texas Tech up 49-41 over Texas with 6 min left. pic.twitter.com/QaCWOGcHO5
— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) September 26, 2020
Body Control (7.25/10)
Few over-the-shoulder adjustments, more comfortable high pointing the ball and using reach. Somewhat concerning with the length and strength NFL cornerbacks play with. Vasher uses his frame well to box out defenders.
Release (4/10)
Losses to leverage and gets held up when defensive backs get hands on him. A reoccurring problem from 2019 to 2020, and raises concerns about whether he has the play strength to go up against NFL cornerbacks. It’s concerning he doesn’t use length as efficiently as he should.
Awareness/IQ (4/5)
Has clear intelligence on the field and when in the air. Impressive spatial awareness, where he understands where the defender is, which should help him in the red zone.
Fluidity/Agility (3.5/5)
Vasher is fluid for being 6’6”, and on tape, I thought he was 215 lbs but in reality, he is 203 lbs and it makes more sense why he’s fluid. The agility and suddenness are lacking due to size.
Injury/ Durability (3/5)
Durable, and missed a few games throughout his time with Texas Tech. Worth noting is an undisclosed season-ending injury in 2016.
Blocking (4/5)
Vasher shows effort and good form making blocks coming his way. He shows strength when matching up against cornerbacks for runs that come his way.
Player Summary
The wingspan along with his tracking skills are impressive for Vasher and they are what will be his trump card in the NFL. There is a role as a jump ball contested-catch receiver and red zone threat. However, the significant concerns regarding his release and play strength will dictate if he can get onto an NFL field. If he builds play strength and develops better release technique he’ll be able to win with size and tracking. Overall, Vasher is worth a day three pick as there is upside to develop the tools and size he currently has.
Final Grade (67.25/100): Day Three Prospect
Player Comp: Dorial Green-Beckham
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