Arriving at Texas Tech, wide receiver Coy Eakin’s journey began with high hopes. However, his freshman year didn’t go as planned. Persistent injuries—including a groin pull, a meniscus tear, and a stress fracture—kept him sidelined and tested his resolve.
“Coming in, I thought I’d play early on, but injuries had other plans,” Eakin recalls. “I sat out for eight weeks, then broke my collarbone just as I was making strides. It was tough, but I was determined to come back stronger.”
Despite these setbacks, Eakin's perseverance paid off. He came back and scored his first touchdown against Baylor. His confidence soared as the season progressed, culminating in a standout performance in the bowl game.
Eakin is excited about this season. “We’ve got an incredible group of receivers and a solid offensive line. Our team is ready to make a big impact. With guys like Josh Kelly, Caleb Douglas, and Micah Hudson and the strong foundation we have with returning players like Jordan Brown and Drae McCray, we’re geared up for a fantastic season.”
A key factor in Eakin’s ability to overcome his challenges has been the support from the Matador Club. The NIL collective has provided financial stability and valuable resources, which have been crucial in his journey.
“The Matador Club really helped me mentally. Having that financial support allowed me to focus on recovery and performance without worrying about financial strain. It’s like having a safety net, which has been a game-changer for me.”
The financial support from the Matador Club has not only alleviated immediate concerns but also set Eakin up for future success.
“I used to think $200 a week from a high school job was a lot. Now, having that regular check coming in allows me to save and invest in my future. Even if football doesn’t work out, I’m ahead of the game.”
From his roots in Stephenville to his role at Texas Tech, Eakin brings a strong work ethic and a sense of camaraderie to the field.
“Stephenville taught me to be tough and work hard,” he says. “I bring that same mindset to Texas Tech, and it’s great to see that same spirit in our team.”
Are you interested in investing in the future of student-athletes? Support hundreds of Red Raiders just like Coy when you donate to the Matador Club.