Texas Tech DT Broderick Washington: We can't overlook anyone this year

In Tuesday’s morning press conference, Texas Tech defensive tackle Broderick Washington was asked several questions ranging from the defenses progression, to what the biggest challenge Eastern Washington would present.

Texas Tech’s defense has been the program’s biggest Achilles for long enough, and continues to be the narrative headed into the 2017 season. Unfortunately, while major media chooses to bring blanket issues into focus, listening to Tech players this off, and preseason demonstrates a unit that’s embraced change, learned to trust the process, and matured.

In Tuesday’s presser, Washington was asked several pressing questions.

In terms of progression, Washington said, “I’ve seen a lot of progress between the whole defense.” He continued, “With us coming together and actually playing with each other, for each other, we know that we have each others’ back, and [we’re] building trust.”

On the defensive line itself, “I feel like, the guys around me are doing a great job, and, the whole defense is coming together and playing better, with each other.” Said Washington.

When sophomore defensive lineman Lonzell Gilmore signed with Texas Tech, he was someone the coaching staff hoped would develop into a leader. Washington confirmed Gilmore’s hype by saying, “He’s gonna be a name to remember. All the guys around me, really.” Washington continued to say that Gilmore had matured, which is exactly what needs to happen to keep building the foundation, and moving forward.

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Texas Tech will need that maturity in the upcoming months, and it starts this Saturday with Eastern Washington–an opponent Tech players know cannot be taken lightly.

Eastern Washington quarterback, Gage Gubrud has been likened to former Texas Tech rainmaker, Patrick Mahomes. In 2016, Gubrung–now a junior–amassed 5,160 passing yards, and 48 touchdowns. On the ground, Gubrung rushed for 606 yards, and had five touchdowns.

The upside for the Texas Tech defense, is that having to practice against Mahomes has hopefully conditioned them to know what to expect in defending an elusive playmaker like Gubrung.

On Eastern Washington film, Washington said they have the same tempo as Tech, with outside runs, and quick passes.

“[Eastern Washington] presents almost the same amount of problems that we had with Pat in practice. because Pat could move around a lot in the pocket and make plays happen, and this quarterback is the same way; he might be a little faster than Pat, actually.” Said Washington, “And he likes to run the ball, so we just have to make sure were doing our jobs, and being in our gaps, and making sure we have contain on him. If not, he could be a problem.”

I think one of the biggest issues Tech faced last season–especially with Iowa State–was underestimating opponents. For a powerhouse FCS school like Eastern Washington, no detail is too small. “Really, we can’t overlook anybody this year.” Said Washington, “We’re going to treat every opponent the same this year, like it’s a big game, and Eastern Washington won’t be any different. their offense works well together, and they could present a lot of problems that we could see later on in the year, and if we don’t come prepared, they they could beat us and we’re really just going to have the mindset of treating everyone the same.”

Wise words from a group of experienced players who have very lofty expectations this season.

Eastern Washington will present problems for Texas Tech to open the season, and that’s a good thing. In an era where teams are scheduling non-conference cupcakes to ensure wins and bowl eligibility, Texas Tech continues to schedule harder opponents. While this Saturday will be a huge test, it could set the expectation early enough, and encourage urgency throughout the season.

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Texas Tech DT Broderick Washington: We can’t overlook anyone this year

By VF Castro | Aug 30, 2017

In Tuesday’s morning press conference, Texas Tech defensive tackle Broderick Washington was asked several questions ranging from the defenses progression, to what the biggest challenge Eastern Washington would present.