Lubbock, Texas ? Wes Welker’s deceptive speed and downfield vision are only a part of his punt-returning success for Texas Tech.

There’s also his nose-to-the grindstone attitude, a value he gained while growing up in a home where both parents worked hard.

“He’s one of those guys who goes full speed in practice,” Tech special teams coach Ruffin McNeill said. “He’s always in tune mentally and he maximizes every rep he gets. He’s a very hard worker.”

Welker, small by college football standards at 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, is one run back shy of setting a NCAA record for punt returns for touchdowns. He tied the record (seven) when he raced up the sideline for a 50-yard score late in Tech’s 58-10 win over SMU in the teams’ season opener.

To Welker, the reasons for his success aren’t entirely about his talents. He gets good blocks and is able to use them.

“You’ve got to find the hole and cut back at the right time,” Welker said. “A split second here, a split second there and you don’t get into the end zone.”

Fellow wide receiver Carlos Francis, who tries to clear the way upfield for Welker, said Welker’s talents can turn a game around quickly.

“The people who block for him are even more motivated knowing that we have a great returner back there, and we want to do everything in our power to have him return kicks,” Francis said.

“Just being a part of his greatness, I think, is enjoyment in itself.”

McNeill says Welker has great vision after he catches a punt and looks upfield. He likened Welker to Nebraska’s Johnnie Rodgers, who played for Nebraska in the early 1970s. Welker is tied with Rodgers and two others who’ve turned punt returns into TDs.

“He can make a guy miss,” McNeill said. “Winners see what they want to happen and losers see what they’re afraid might happen. And Wes sees what he wants to happen.”

Welker, an Oklahoma City native, is No. 2 in the Big 12 Conference and 15th nationally in average punt return yards (15.5). But he does more on special teams than just return punts. He’s also part of the crew that sprints downfield to cover punts and kickoffs.

Welker also is one of quarterback B.J. Symons’ favorite receivers and has never been bashful about telling Symons or coaches on the sideline how he believes he can be more effective.

He’s ranked 11th in the conference for receptions (4.5) per game.

“The day he walked in here, he was confident,” Tech coach Mike Leach said. “He has the ability to go on when others can’t. He doesn’t lose his focus as quickly when he’s fatigued. He sustains it longer.”

Welker will try to break the return record today when Texas Tech (2-0) plays at North Carolina State.