Originally published Feb. 8, 2007 in the Omaha World-Herald
Washington says: "I looked at my size and thought, 'I look good at defensive back.' I'm ready to get up (to Lincoln) and get working on that."
Did you know?
Washington, the cousin of former Husker and current Oakland Raiders cornerback Fabian Washington, attended Nebraska's quarterback camps the past two summers.
Coachspeak
"He will just knock you out. He will hit you and knock you out." -- Bayshore coach Jean Gordon
The gurus say
"He's got amazing athletic ability," Jeremy Crabtree of rivals.com said. "He could be a very solid safety. I think the academic questions kept a lot of big-name schools away. Nebraska, just looking at his size, has to be excited about the different places he could fit in."
About Washington
Although he played quarterback in what Gordon called a "predominately run-oriented" offense, Washington is classified as an athlete. Gordon actually compared him favorably with former Kansas State and current Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Darren Howard, whom Gordon coached. "They're about the same size, and Latravis has that same sort of speed," Gordon said. Ohio State wanted Washington to come in and redshirt next season to learn the offense in the same mold of Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith.
Our take
The only thing bigger than Washington's athletic upside may be his wide smile and love of football. Could be a wild card in a defensive backfield much deeper and talented next season.