Derrick Washington already compares among Missouri’s great running backs
By MIKE DeARMOND
The Kansas City Star
COLUMBIA | Missouri coach Gary Pinkel fields the question frequently. From fans, friends and network TV commentators trying to squirrel away a piece of hyperbole.
Who does Derrick Washington, the Tigers’ sophomore tailback, bring to mind? What great back that everyone can recognize provides the best comparison?
“People say, ‘Who’s he look like?’ ” Pinkel said. “Does he look like Gale Sayers? Does he look like Walter Payton? Who does this guy look like?”
And his usual reply?
“I don’t know what he looks like. All I know is, I like what I see.”
Those familiar with Kansas City area high school football have known about Derrick Washington for at least six years — including the four he spent at Raymore-Peculiar High School, where he scored 12 touchdowns in three state title-winning games.
There was his freshman season at Mizzou that began with a fumble on his first carry and included just 36 rushes for 184 yards (5.1 yards a carry) and a single rushing touchdown as a backup to Tony Temple.
Now this breakout season.
Heading into No. 3 Missouri’s game against No. 17 Oklahoma State on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium, Washington is exactly halfway to the 1,000-yard rushing milestone, averaging 7.5 yards for 67 rushes for the 5-0 Tigers. He already has 10 rushing touchdowns and two receiving.
Temple, by comparison, ran for 12 TDs and caught another one in 12 games last season as a senior.
Perhaps it is too early to ask if Washington may wind up as the greatest running back in Missouri football history. But some people— like veteran player, assistant coach, radio color man and all-around historian John Kadlec — did just that the other day.
“Two years from now, or maybe next year, he might be the best back we’ve ever had,” Kadlec said.
Being included among MU’s other ball-carrying greats like Temple, Devin West, Zack Abron and Brock Olivo apparently means a lot to Washington.
“To even be mentioned as (possibly) the best, that’s unbelievable,” Washington said. “I can’t say that at all.”
Pinkel contends he is not surprised by Washington’s sophomore season.
“I knew this was going to happen,” Pinkel said. “I just kind of sat back and let it happen.
“He’s started only five games, and you see what I see. The good news about him is he can get a lot better.”
Washington is already one of the best receivers of any former MU running back.
“He just presents a lot of different problems for defenses,” said MU quarterback Chase Daniel, who has found Washington nine times for 92 yards receiving, an average of 10.2 yards a catch. “Anytime you have the leading scorer in the nation on your team, you know you’re doing something right.”
Yes, there is that. Washington leads the nation in scoring, averaging 14.4 points a game. That means on Saturday night, the top two scorers in college football will be on the same field. Dez Bryant, an Oklahoma State receiver and return man, is No. 2 at 13.20 points a game.
Andy Hill, the Missouri assistant coach who recruited Washington out of Ray-Pec, labels Washington with one word.
“Unique,” Hill said.
Pinkel and Kadlec contend what helps make the 5-foot-11, 225-pound Washington special is vision.
“He’s never here with his eyes,” Pinkel said, directing his gaze in front of himself. “He’s always out there.”
Washington simply shrugs over an ability that has always been there.
“That’s just God-given,” Washington said. “That’s not even something that I know I’m doing.
“But when the defenders are coming, I’m not looking at that. I’m looking at the next one while I’m trying to make these guys miss.”
Kadlec does not hedge over what Washington should become.
“This guy just got started,” Kadlec said. “This guy’s going to be a great back. He’s got size, great balance. He’s got eyes on the side of his head. He can make a cut and doesn’t lose any speed.
“He’s really got it all, man.”
To reach Mike DeArmond, Missouri reporter for The Star, send e-mail to mdearmond@kcstar.com
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