Texas Tech football DE Amier Washington elevated after dominant performance at Independence Bowl

Amier Washington’s transition from defensive tackle to defensive edge by Texas Tech’s football coaches resulted in a standout performance during the Independence Bowl victory over California.

Despite limited playtime as a freshman, he made a significant impact with four tackles for loss, including two sacks and a forced fumble. Washington’s unexpected display showcased his abilities and satisfaction with the position change, proving his capability to excel on the field.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 265 pounds, he emerged from Class 4A Little Cypress-Mauriceville in southeast Texas, seizing the opportunity due to circumstances like the starter opting out and the top backup’s injury.

This moved Washington up to second place on the depth chart from fourth, and named Charles Esters the starter.

He took advantage of the situation and made Cal tackles into turnstiles.

Esters remarked, “We adored it.” “Even as a freshman, he was able to step up and make plays. He demonstrated he could play in our room by stepping up and playing outside linebacker in his first game. Everyone enjoyed that, including the defensive players.

Days before the end of the regular season, coaches pulled Washington to the edge. He had prepared to play defensive tackle his entire season. Yet he was unable to reach his goal weight of 280 pounds.

He no longer needs to, as his debut on the edge left the Red Raiders with something to ponder.

“It was pretty big,” he stated, “I wasn’t really a DT guy, so as soon as I got to outside I already knew what I was doing pretty much, because I played edge all my high-school life.”

Washington responded, “Probably my speed and my twitchiness and I’d say my d-end skills, because every time they lined me up outside, I was killing it,” when asked what coaches saw in him to make the adjustment.

Amier Washington’s impressive performance in just his second career game, against a team with a 6-6 record, serves as motivation for improvement. His coach, C.J. Ah You, underscores the ongoing growth process despite past achievements.

Washington, a defensive end for Texas Tech, made a notable impact in the Independence Bowl with four tackles for loss, including two sacks. However, he acknowledges the need to enhance his pass-rushing abilities. Eager to make a greater contribution, Washington is committed to refining his skills.

Coach Ah You acknowledges his progress and the benefits of continued learning during spring training. With new standards set and stats reset, Washington is focused on further development and team success.

Not to add, the Red Raiders have a room full of defensive edge players, several of whom have shown promise as freshmen despite having few career starts. Joseph Adedire, Isaac Smith, Esters, Harvey Dyson, Spencer, and Washington are a few of them. Due to injuries sustained late in the season, Adedire is out from a late-season injury while Smith is recovering from knee surgery.

“Harvey and Charles Esters are having a very solid spring practice,” you added. “Amier is doing some good things, Dylan as well and then the young guys are in a learning process.”