Oakland Raider defensive end Lamarr Houston has insisted that he is ready for a big role with the side this season.

Houston has spent much of his three years at the club not seen as a key member of the side, but said that 2013 is his season to lead the line.

"Fortunately I was here with [Richard] Seymour and Tommy [Kelly] and they taught me a lot," Houston told Heraldonline.com.

"I've been learning and I'm still learning. But being one of the older guys on the line, I just feel it's my job to help the other guys to come along and get toward the vision we want as a team."

Houston started all 16 regular season games last season.