Broderick Washington is entering his senior season with the Red Raiders but for the first time he will have a new direction under head coach Matt Wells and Keith Patterson, the Red Raider defensive coordinator.

Washington, a returning piece on the defensive line, is not one to shy away from telling you how it is even if his shyness is something to break through at first. Wells and Co. were able to tell and named him one of the captains on this year's squad – his second-consecutive season donning the title.

However, this year he'll be looked on as one of the leaders upfront with big shoes to fill with some potential help in former Red Raider Joe Wallace now off of the team and likely headed elsewhere after a suspension this spring.

Washington's progression through his time at Texas Tech is shown in his numbers. His experience is impressive as well. He made an appearance in all 12 games during his redshirt freshman year in 2016. The following season he was one of three players to start and play in all 13 games including the trip to the Birmingham Bowl.

Last season – well, he did it again. He was once more a member of a trio who played and started in every game in what would be Kliff Kingsbury and David Gibbs' final season as Red Raider coaches.

Washington is graded by many as a name to watch in the Big 12 Conference. He's the highest-rated interior defensive lineman in the run-defense category by PFF.

In 2018, Washington recorded 41 tackles, the most on the defensive front, including seven for a loss. He finished tied for second on the team in tackles for a loss with three of those being sacks.

Washington, somehow, can still be undervalued. Think back not that long ago to Mychealon Thomas, who ended up being a big part of the Red Raider defense in 2017 during his senior showcase.

Thomas recorded at leas two tackles per game that year with three turnovers to his name including everyone's favorite – a big-man interception.

Washington, being one of the leaders this upcoming season, can have himself a huge showing like Thomas did. Mix in his ability to power through blocks along with his football awareness and he is bound to be in the hunt for an All-Big 12 outing.