Texas Tech University Athletics
Big Play Trey: Haverty Leads Tech Passing Attack
November 09, 2004 | Football
Nov. 9, 2004
By Jenna Sampson, Texas Tech Media Relations
His teammates have an interesting list of nicknames for him. Some call him Heezy or Heez, some call him Big Play, but you can just call him Trey. Senior inside receiver Trey Haverty has made quite a name for himself over the course of the season, adding an extra punch to the already explosive Air Raid offense.
Since his first career start earlier this season at New Mexico, Haverty has been an effective target for Texas Tech quarterback Sonny Cumbie. He led the team with 11 receptions for 158 yards during Saturday's 35-17 win over the Baylor Bears, as well as logging the first multiple-touchdown game of his career. His touchdown at the end of the first half put the Red Raiders up 14-10 to give them their first lead of the game. His second, a 57-yard snag with 26 seconds remaining in the third quarter, was the longest of his career.
"Obviously he's playing well. I'm proud of that kid, I really am. He's deserving of every opportunity that he's getting right now. In the New Mexico game he got a chance to be an every down player because Nehemiah (Glover) got hurt and he had eight catches in that game. He did that in about half a game," said inside receiver coach Dana Holgorsen.
Haverty has produced consistent numbers over the course of his last eight games, capped by Saturday's career bests. He is currently tied for second in conference rankings with 6.3 receptions per game.
"When you're not the biggest or the fastest you have to find your niche. My niche is to get open in the middle of the field, get the first down or do what we have to do to help the team," said Haverty.
He may not be the fastest in the bunch, but he has proven himself to be a true gamer, making pivotal plays and getting open when it counts. He has eight third-down receptions on the season, one for a touchdown.
"Sonny knows Trey is doing a good job of getting open and he knows he's gonna catch the ball. He may stay on him a little longer or skip a read or two and go to Trey," added Holgorsen.
Saturday's long ball was no exception.
"It was third and 13 and Sonny (Cumbie) said the guy in man coverage usually left the trip side. Sonny said if he's on you, I'm going to put it out there. Go get it. So I was just thinking, let the guy inside and leave enough room for Sonny to put it out there. I remember lining up thinking, he's only two yards off me and I got a chance here," said Haverty.
"Coach Setencich caught something up in the box. He relayed to those other guys that Trey could beat his guy, so a lot of credit goes to Coach Setencich on that one," said Cumbie.
Haverty's tireless work ethic during the last four off-seasons has certainly paid off. With both Glover and Bristol Olomua out of the lineup due to injury, his repetition load has increased significantly.
"When you're not 6'3 and not as fast as some other guys, you gotta be in better shape or work hard enough, so that's the motto I live by," he said.
"These last couple of years I've always felt like I had something to prove. I still feel like that. I would get a lot more reps in practice than a lot of back-ups because I'd want to be in there, felt like I had to prove something every day. I think that kept me in shape four years being a back-up and still getting a lot of reps. I only have three games left in my career, so I'm going to play every rep. You never know when that one rep is the play that could make a difference."
Holgorsen claims Haverty is tireless and exhibits impressive agility and route running abilities.
"He's the only guy I know that can run forward and immediately stop and run backwards. He's got tremendous body control, which makes him a good inside receiver because you've got to weave between linebackers and safeties. Being an inside receiver, it's not just a speed game," added Holgorsen.
Haverty claims the biggest challenge as an inside receiver is blocking big linebackers on the blitz, but he enjoys the physical aspect of being involved in an important part of the game.
"I still feel like I have something to prove. If I drop the ball I get more down on myself than other people. I don't want to let the team down, plus I know this is my last year. I just want to be Sonny's comfort zone, where he knows if we need a play or he needs someone to get open, I feel like I can do that for him."
Haverty continues to be that go-to guy for Cumbie and Saturday's big game in College Station will be no exception.
"Just like K-State, you have to go out there and perform. I thought we did a good job on the road at K-State because you can take the crowd out of it easily as long as you execute. The crowd's not going to be cheering loud and stomping if you're getting first downs."
Look for Big Play Trey to continue to make good use of his senior season as the Red Raiders battle Texas A&M this Saturday at College Station. The contest will be televised by ABC at 2:30 p.m. CST.
