LUBBOCK, TX – Texas Tech junior wide receiver Coy Eakin will wear the prestigious No. 3 jersey next football season. Wearing No. 3 is an honor given annually by head coach Joey McGuire to the Red Raider who best exemplifies “The Brand.”
Eakin will wear No. 3 on offense, while senior inside linebacker Bryce Ramirez will continue wearing it for the third consecutive season on defense. The number is reserved for players who represent Texas Tech’s core values of being the toughest, hardest-working, and most competitive team in the country.
Head Coach Joey McGuire talked about his decision to award Eakin No. 3 at the press conference concluding the first day of Spring Practice on Monday.
“This was not a difficult decision in presenting Coy with our No. 3 jersey,” McGuire said. “Coy has proven his toughness to this team over his time as a Red Raider and has developed into being one of our most consistent players on the offensive side of the ball. He will be a great representative of that jersey number and what it means to this football program.”
Eakin enters his fourth season as a Red Raider next season and began spring practices on Monday. He is coming off a career-best season in which he recorded 49 receptions for 652 yards and a team-leading seven touchdowns. Over his career, he has totaled 85 receptions for 1,068 yards and nine touchdowns in 27 games. Last season, he finished as Texas Tech’s third-leading receiver behind Josh Kelly and Caleb Douglas. This spring, he will transition into Kelly’s previous inside receiver role under new offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich.
When asked his thoughts on McGuire's decision, Coy could only smile. "It's an honor," Eakin said. He described the conversation that followed with Coach McGuire. "He was like, you thinking about switching numbers?" Eakin described. When Mcgurire said it would be No. 3, Eakin answered, "Let's do it."
Watch Eakin's press conference below:
Eakin now steps into next season as one of the new leaders on this football team. He says its a continual learning experience. "You have to take it with a grain of salt," Eakin said. "You have to learn from others. Last year, I was still considered a young guy, and I learned from the older guys, took in what was good, and threw out what needed to be out in terms of being a leader. I definitely built off the other leaders in the room. Guys like J-Rod (Jacob Rodrgiuez), Berhen (Morton), and Bryce (Ramirez), the other No. 3," Eakin continued.
The No. 3 jersey also serves as a tribute to the late Luke Siegel, who passed away in August 2021. Siegel, who inspired many with his resilience following a golf cart accident, considered No. 3 his favorite number.
Texas Tech will conduct three practices this week, with afternoon workouts on Monday and Wednesday, followed by a Friday morning session before Spring Break. The Red Raiders will resume their 15-allocated spring practices on March 25.
The full list of players who have worn the No. 3 jersey under McGuire’s tenure include:
- 2022 – Kobee Minor
- 2023 – Bryce Ramirez
- 2024 – Josh Kelly, Bryce Ramirez
- 2025 – Coy Eakin, Bryce Ramirez
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