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Texas Tech football: 4 players Red Raiders can’t lose this season

By Matthew Conner

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 24: T.J. Vasher #9 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders catches a pass for a touchdown defended by Davante Davis #18 of the Texas Longhorns in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 24: T.J. Vasher #9 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders catches a pass for a touchdown defended by Davante Davis #18 of the Texas Longhorns in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
(Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

DT – Broderick Washington

This season, the anchor of the Texas Tech defensive line is expected to be senior defensive tackle Broderick Washington.  One of the top defensive tackles in the conference, he led Red Raider defensive linemen in 2018 with 41 tackles earning Big 12 honorable mention honors.

For his career, Washington has 99 career tackles with 6.0 sacks, making him one of only two defensive linemen on the current roster with more than two career sacks joining end Eli Howard. Recruited by most programs out of high school to be an offensive tackle, the Longview native has developed into a potential 2020 NFL Draft pick.

But behind him, there are no certain answers.  And that is largely due to the departure of junior Joe Wallace, who has entered the transfer portal after being suspended from the team this spring.  Last year, he racked up 37 tackles and two sacks combining with Wallace to be one of the better DT duos in the Big 12.

With Wallace gone, Tech is likely going to have to rely heavily on junior Nick McCann.  The only other 300-pound defensive lineman on the roster, McCann had 24 tackles and one sack last year appearing in all 12 games.

The good news is that Washington and McCann won’t have to play together too often given that new DC Keith Patterson uses only one true defensive tackle in his scheme.  Therefore, the two 300-pounders can help spell each other throughout the game hopefully limiting the wear and tear on both.

It wouldn’t be too surprising to see sophomore Nelson Mbanasor get some time at defensive tackle as well.  The 280-pounder was a defensive end in high school but will play all over the line this year and could be a tackle in pass-rush situations.  However, he lacks the bulk to play the position on an every-down basis.

Redshirt freshman Jaylon Hutchings may also be pressed into action.  At 6-foot, 295-pounds, he has the size to play in the middle of the line but he has appeared in only three career games registering just two tackles.

The drop-off from Washington to the rest of the defensive tackles on the roster is significant.  With the senior team captain manning the middle, the Red Raider defensive line should be in solid shape in the interior where Washington has to help keep blockers off of middle linebacker Jordyn Brooks.   But should he go down to injury, the Red Raiders are going to have to rely on some extremely unproven players to take up the slack.

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