“To see how God changed my whole path to put me in a position where I am now at Texas Tech is kind of crazy” — Junior WR Coy Eakin Reflects on His Faith-Fueled Journey to the Red Raiders
LUBBOCK, TX — When Texas Tech junior wide receiver Coy Eakin steps onto the turf at Jones AT&T Stadium, he doesn’t just see yard lines or defensive backs—he sees a path shaped by faith, resilience, and unexpected turns. A former small-town high school star with big dreams, Eakin’s journey to becoming a key contributor for the Red Raiders is anything but conventional.
Now entering his third season with Texas Tech, Eakin is not just ready to break out on the field—he’s eager to tell his story. A story he says was orchestrated by something far bigger than football.
“To see how God changed my whole path to put me in a position where I am now at Texas Tech is kind of crazy,” Eakin told us during an exclusive sit-down after practice. “It wasn’t the route I thought I’d take, but it’s the one that brought me closest to who I’m supposed to be.”
From Quiet Beginnings in Stephenville
Eakin’s football career began in Stephenville, Texas, a town of fewer than 20,000 people with a proud high school football tradition. As a senior at Stephenville High School, Eakin put up staggering numbers: over 1,600 receiving yards, 20 touchdowns, and a presence on both sides of the ball. He led his team to a state championship, earning Texas 4A Offensive Player of the Year honors and attracting attention from college scouts.
But despite the eye-popping stats and winning pedigree, Eakin didn’t have a blue-blood offer list. He initially committed to FCS powerhouse Western Illinois, a program with a strong tradition but far from the national spotlight. Still, Eakin remained confident that if he worked hard, he’d eventually find his way.
“I wasn’t the flashy recruit,” Eakin recalled. “I didn’t get the stars next to my name or the constant phone calls from Power Five schools. But I believed that if I stayed faithful and did the work, my opportunity would come.”
And it did—but not in the way he expected.
An Unexpected Detour—and a New Opportunity
Just weeks before heading to Western Illinois, a coaching shake-up and a series of phone calls turned his world upside down. That’s when Texas Tech came calling, with an opportunity to join their program as a preferred walk-on.
“I had a decision to make,” he said. “Stay comfortable, or bet on myself. I prayed on it, talked with my family, and something just told me, ‘This is your shot.’”
Eakin took the leap, walking on at Texas Tech in 2022. He arrived as a relative unknown on a roster full of four- and five-star talents. But he didn’t care about rankings—he cared about proving he belonged.
Grinding His Way Into the Rotation
The early days weren’t easy. Eakin described the adjustment as “humbling.” Learning a fast-paced Big 12 offense while trying to climb the depth chart as a walk-on required more than talent—it required relentless discipline and belief.
But Eakin’s work ethic and knack for playmaking began to stand out. Coaches took notice, and by the middle of his freshman season, he had earned practice reps with the second-team offense. By Year 2, he had a scholarship.
“Coy is everything you want in a football player,” head coach Joey McGuire said. “Smart, physical, consistent—and a team-first guy. He shows up early, stays late, and keeps his head down. The rest takes care of itself.”
In 2023, Eakin saw action in all 12 games, making key contributions as a slot receiver and special teams regular. He finished the year with 25 catches for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a memorable game-winner against UCF that sealed a crucial home victory.
Faith as the Foundation
Eakin credits his rise to two things: faith and family. A devout Christian, he speaks openly about how his trust in God helped him navigate uncertainty and rejection.
“I’ve learned that the detours are part of the plan,” he said. “Sometimes what feels like a setback is really just a setup. I wouldn’t be at Texas Tech if I hadn’t taken that leap of faith.”
He also credits his parents and his tight-knit support system back home for never letting him lose sight of the bigger picture.
“They kept me grounded when I could’ve gotten discouraged. They reminded me that my worth wasn’t tied to my recruitment ranking. And that’s something I want other kids to know—your story isn’t over just because you get overlooked.”
Eyes on the Future
Now, as a junior, Coy Eakin is poised to take on a larger role in the Red Raiders’ offense. With departures at wide receiver and a revamped quarterback room led by promising starter Behren Morton, the opportunity is there for Eakin to emerge as a go-to target.
His goals for 2024 are simple: contribute, lead, and continue to inspire.
“I want to be a voice for the guys who weren’t supposed to make it,” he said. “The walk-ons, the small-town kids, the ones who just need a chance. If my story helps even one kid believe in themselves, then it’s all worth it.”
Final Thoughts
Coy Eakin’s journey to Texas Tech is a story of faith, grit, and quiet belief in one’s purpose. In an age of transfer portals and instant gratification, Eakin represents something refreshing: the power of patience, the importance of hard work, and the humility to give credit where it’s due.
“To be here now, wearing that Double T on my chest—it still blows me away sometimes,” Eakin smiled. “God had a plan all along. I just had to trust it.”
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