Injuries played a key role in Texas Tech’s underwhelming 5-7 season a year ago. In particular, the Red Raiders backfield was decimated when leading rusher Eric Stephens and primary backup DeAndre Washington both went down with separate season-ending ligament tears in their knee.
The good news for TTU, however, is that both running backs should be good enough to go for the fall. Coach Tommy Tuberville said as much about Stephens in January and Washington (pictured) told RedRaiderSports on Friday he’s close to full strength again.
“Right now it’s about 80, 85 percent,” Washington said of his knee. “I’m moving lateral and doing a lot of cutting. I haven’t gone all out yet, but it’s coming along. I should be ready for the season.
“It was a blow, but the way I look at it was it was a minor setback. Everything happens for a reason. I’m just looking to bounce back from it and trying to make the most of it. I’ll be 120 (percent).”
Washington rushed for 366 yards and three touchdowns last season -- he and Stephens combined for nearly 1,000 yards -- before tearing his ACL against Missouri.
Receiver Alex Torres (ACL) should also be back in time for the start of the season. Torres, incidentally, suffered his injury against Missouri as well.