This season hasn't gone like Texas Tech would have hoped. The Red Raiders are 4-7 heading into their season finale with Baylor in Arlington, Texas on Saturday.

Yet one shining light for Kliff Kingsbury's program has been the play of running back DeAndre Washington, who eclipsed the 1,000-yard barrier last weekend. Washington is the Big 12's second leading rusher with 1,038 rushing yards. He took some time this week to chat with ESPN.com about his offseason focus, individual success in 2014 and his post-football future.

After last year, heading into the offseason what did you want to improve on?

DeAndre Washington: Basically, I just had a chip on my shoulder. I didn't like the way I played last year so I really tried to take it upon myself to make sure I had a better season.

What was it about last year that really stuck with you?

DW: Just all of the plays I left on the field, I left a lot of plays out there and that was it. I was being kind of hesitant coming off the ACL injury (Note: Washington tore his ACL in 2011). I just wanted to put that behind me heading into the offseason and get better from it.

Coming in this year and having success, how have you felt about what's going on for you individually?

DW: It felt good, I just wish we could win some more games, get some wins with it. My body feels good so it's been fun all year.

How has it been trying to manage having a lot of success individually when, as a team, you're struggling?

DW: You can't really think much about [individual success] especially when you're not getting wins. I don't really think too much about it, we need to get some Ws to go with this success.

What's the key for you guys?

DW: Execution. When we have the opportunity to put away games or extend games, we have to take advantage of those opportunities. At different points in the season we let those opportunities slip away.

What was your first childhood memory of playing football?

DW: Little league flag football game. I was playing defense and I remember getting a tipped ball interception and taking it 80 yards. The excitement, the thrill I got from it, just let me know that football was something I really wanted to do.

Do you remember when you realized football could actually take you somewhere?

DW: When I got my first scholarship (offer). That's when it got a little bit more serious, I could actually use this to go to school.

Before that were people saying you couldn't do it because of your size?

DW: Yeah. There's always been doubters but that's just what fuels the pit.

If you weren't playing football what would you being doing?

DW: That's a good question, I couldn't even tell you.

Well what would you say is your dream, post-football, job?

DW: Actually I'm looking into being a scout, like an NFL scout. That's something I've been interested in for a while now.

What intrigues you about that?

DW: Being able to travel to different cities, look at different talent and be around football personnel but not be too close because I'm not into coaching. I thought that would be something fun to do.

Up to this point what is your biggest football accomplishment?

DW: Without a doubt getting into the 1,000-yard club this weekend.

Was that a goal heading into the season?

DW: That was definitely something I wanted to accomplish and big ups [credit] to the offensive line. We got it done.

Who or what do you consider the greatest influence on the player you've become?

DW: Definitely my mom [Tiffany Jones]. All the sacrifices she made to get me where I am is the man reason why I do what I do today.