Rigdon has career day in Red Raiders win over Montana State

Texas Tech wide receiver Dalton Rigdon hauls in a catch against Montana State in the first quarter on Saturday. [Ben Jenkins/ Press Pass Sports]

It didn’t take long to see how fast Perryton graduate and Texas Tech wide receiver Dalton Rigdon was going to be involved in the Red Raiders offense.

Rigdon — making his first collegiate start during Texas Tech’s 45-10 season opening victory against Montana State to open the coach Matt Wells era Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium — helped starting quarterback Alan Bowman find a rhythm.

The shifty 5-foot-11, 170 pound Rigdon made four catches for 45 yards on Tech’s opening drive.

Those four catches were significant to Rigdon, as they surpassed his career total of three in eight games over the past two years.

“I’ve stayed patient,” said Rigdon, who also had one carry for seven yards. “I’ve stayed true to myself. I’ll continue to work. It felt rewarding to be on the field making an impact. I just want to be out there and help the team win.”

Rigdon earned the starting H position, or better known as slot receiver during fall camp.

Hard work, speed, route running and his ability to get open in space was enough to impress Wells and offensive coordinator David Yost.

“I thought Dalton started out really hot,” said Wells, who earned his first career win at Texas Tech on Saturday. “He was open and Alan (Bowman) found him. He made the catches he was suppose to and he did his job. He was consistent like the entire position group did.”

The last nine days have been a flood of emotions for the former Class 4A All-State receiver.

Dalton Rigdon celebrates with his teammates after a Armand Shynes touchdown on Saturday. [Ben Jenkins/ Press Pass Sports]

Nine days ago, Rigdon was one of eight Red Raider players that Wells and his staff awarded a full scholarship. For Rigdon, it had been a long two year climb as a walk-on trying to prove himself.

“It’s been a dream come true,” Rigdon said. “I told my parents that I was going to work and earn a scholarship. They’ve believed in 100 percent, so to call and tell them I was on scholarship was amazing.”

Texas Tech is back at home against UTEP on Saturday, Sept. 7.