Texas Tech football: Ranking the defensive position groups for 2019

Broderick Washington leads the defensive tackles

In the middle of the defensive line, the Red Raiders will feature one of the best tackles in the Big 12, Broderick Washington.  The senior has started every game of the last two years earning honorable mention All-Big 12 honors in both seasons.

For his career, he’s made 69 tackles while getting to the QB four times.  Coming off a 41-tackle season, the Longview native is going to be especially valuable this year following the defection of 2018’s other starting DT, Joe Wallace, who has entered the transfer portal.

But behind Washington, there is quite a bit of uncertainty.  Junior Nick McCann looks like the logical backup but the 310-pounder has just 29 career tackles in two seasons.

Redshirt freshman Jayon Hutchings has seen action in only three games making two stops.  But the 295-pounder might see more action this year being as he is the only other natural nose tackle on the roster.

One factor working in the defensive tackles’ favor is that Patterson’s defense uses just one tackle at a time as part of a three-man line.  That will help mitigate the effects of the lack of proven depth at the position.

We could also see 280-pound sophomore Nelson Mbanasor get a few snaps at nose tackle in pass-rush situations.  However, he will likely spend most of his time at end.

While the depth at nose tackle is less than ideal and two-thirds of the options available are rather unaccomplished, there’s a standout player leading the way.  Thanks to the presence of Broderick Washington, the Red Raiders should be in decent shape in the middle of the defensive line.