This series of articles will break down the Red Raiders roster approaching the 2017 season. Staff members selected their top-15 players currently on the roster and for each one of them there will be a profile with basic information, videos and expectations.
PUBLISHED:
15th – Douglas Coleman (Sophomore, defensive back)
14th – Jack Anderson (Freshman, offensive lineman)
13th – D.J. Polite-Bray (Senior, defensive back)
12th – Clayton Hatfield (Junior, kicker)
11th – Octavious Morgan (Junior, defensive back)
10th place
Broderick Washington
Defensive Line
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6’3
Weight: 295 pounds
Hometown: Longview, Texas
We are in the top 10! And we open it with a player who did not have a dominant role in 2016 but has all the skills and abilities to find his space in 2017. He comes to this new season after a lot of work and a change of position that was hard to manage. Ladies and gentlemen, Broderick Washington.
Washington was an interesting prospect in high school, where he was an offensive tackle. He had success in his role as he obtained All-District honors and an honorable mention in the All-State selection. Additionally, he was selected to play in the 2015 FCA Heart of a Champion All-Star Game. Washington drew some interest from many schools and chose Texas Tech over, among others, Arkansas State, Houston, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Lafayette, North Texas, and Texas-San Antonio.
The Red Raiders could not see him as an offensive lineman because he is only 6-feet-3 and decided to move him on the defensive side of the ball. Washington was redshirted in 2015 and began his transition to defensive tackle. He had never played in this position before, so he had to work to understand his new duties and in 2016 had mainly a backup role. Nevertheless, he already showed good skills and also obtained a start in Week 13 against Baylor.
Watching tapes, it is clear that Washington is strong and very athletic. He has a good first step that allows him to immediately put pressure on the offensive lineman and with his size he attracts double coverages, opening spaces for his teammates.
According to the coaches, Washington is one of the hardest workers on the team and also in the spring he showed his work ethic, and in the process probably earning a starting role as a defensive tackle. He has to replace two players in Ondre Pipkins and Breiden Fehoko, and obviously his playing time and responsibilities will increase significantly. In 2016, the defensive line was not as effective as expected, so players that can improve the unit’s performances are highly appreciated.