Tech's Defensive Backs Take The Camaraderie Off The Field
October 02, 2000 | Football
Tamara Metcalfe
Texas Tech Media Relations
They all came from a different part of Texas not knowing a single thing about each other. They have different backgrounds and reasons for coming to Texas Tech. They never knew that they would become best friends someday and star for the 2000 Texas Tech Red Raider defense. What they did know was that each had a dream to succeed and would do what ever it took to achieve their goals.
It is a tale of four Texas Tech senior defensive backs: Antwan Alexander, Mark Washington, Derrick Briggs and Brian Giddens. On the football field they play together like an ordinary team is supposed to do. However, what is so unique about these Tech athletes is that off the field they are best friends, share the same interests, and have the same goals.
In unison they reply that their first goal is to win the Big 12 and a bowl game. They will take nothing less. Their second goal is to graduate this year.
Antwan Alexander, a 6-foot, 199-pound cornerback from Midland Lee High School says it is hard to believe this is his senior year and he still remembers little league football.
"I scored the only touchdown against John Norman's team and we went on to win the city championship all four years," he said, "and no one ever scored on us."
While speaking, Alexander gazes off as to remembering the old days. He still can recall the first day he met Washington, Briggs and Giddens and said they have grown a close connection.
"The relationship between our group as the years progressed has intensified and really kicked in this year. Basically, I have to do my job in order for Mark to do his and along with Briggs and Giddens. So our athletic relationship is just as crucial as our personal."
Alexander had five tackles last season against Iowa State, Missouri and Oklahoma State. However, what most people remember about him is when he had his second career interception with 1:16 left to play against Texas A&M. This play closed the win for Texas Tech last season.
He already started the season out strong when he recovered a fumble against the University of New Mexico. Alexander was later named MVP of the Hispanic College Fund Bowl game for outstanding defensive efforts.
"I credit my performance to coach McMackin. He brought the right defense for our style of players and brought back my love of the game," Alexander said, "I believe he is a God's gift from heaven."
As Alexander talked about Greg McMackin, Texas Tech's defensive coordinator, Briggs quickly agreed.
"The best thing I think he brought to this team is confidence. Not just for five or six people on the team, I am talking about everyone whether you are a role player or what ever...you will have that confidence," Briggs said. "You can feel the confidence in the locker room and when you step on the field you cannot be beat."
Derrick Briggs, a 5-foot-10, 168-pound cornerback from Dayton came to Texas Tech for many reasons, one being the high graduation rate of athletes. Academics play a huge role to Briggs seeing that he graduated fifth in his class in high school.
He speaks intelligent and says he plans on going to law school after he graduates in December with a political science degree. But that is later, right now he plans on being a senior leader.
"During your senior year you are in the spotlight more. You have to do the little things and be the example and big brother of the team," he said, "it is motivating to know that the younger players are looking up to you."
Last season, Briggs recorded 17 total tackles, seven of them being solo. He also recorded his first career interception and recovered two fumbles.
As for 2000 season, Briggs says he will rely on the Lord to show him his path.
Before each game he reads a passage out of the Bible and meditates and focuses on his goals.
"I just don't want to win the Big 12 this season, I want to be 13-0," Briggs said. Washington adds in, "me too, me too." A lot of this confidence between the two is similar maybe because the two live together along with Texas Tech running back, Ricky Williams.
"I always had confidence in my ability to play," Washington said, " I was never God's gift to football, but I work hard, therefore I know I will do well."
Mark Washington, a 6-foot, 190-pound free-safety from Sweeny, was raised around sports. His father, Raymond, coached Sweeny basketball to state championships in 1985, 1987, and 1988.
He too, like the rest of the crew, wants to lead by example his senior year.
"You have guys younger than you that just want to watch. You have been through where they are at right now, and they need a path to follow," Washington said.
After following spring drills this year, Washington was named Most Improved Defensive Player by the coaches. Last season he played in all 11 games and finished the season with 24 total tackles and recovered one fumble.
Washington is excited about this season because of coach McMackin and his defensive strategy.
"His whole system is unbelievable," said Washington, "coach McMackin treats us like professionals and I just love his whole attitude."
Brian Giddens, a 5-foot-10, 186-pound cornerback from Tyler says he still gets the jitters before games just like he did when he was in seventh grade.
"Before each game I still get that nervous feeling in my stomach before I go out," he said, "I don't think it will ever go away."
Giddens will also graduate this year with an English degree. It must run in the family seeing that his mom is a teacher and his dad is coach. Giddens hopes to become a principal.
Eric Giddens, his brother, plays defensive back for Baylor.
Brian Giddens played as a member of secondary and special teams last season. He recorded nine total tackles, eight of them being solo. He also broke up three passes.
"This season I am going to go out and do my part," he said, "I have more pressure because I am a senior, but I know I can step up."
Alexander, Briggs, Washington and Giddens often answers questions exactly the same and continually agree with what the other one has to say. Being around them, you know they have a special bond that after four years no one will ever break.
Each one has a different story about their athletic careers. But, they are bonded together now to set out to achieve their dreams and they will do this together, as one.