MU’s Washington wants to be a 1,000-yard rusher
By MIKE DeARMOND
The Kansas City Star
COLUMBIA | Barely one season into his Missouri football career, Derrick Washington is no longer the wide-eyed wunderkind.
As he bursts through gaping holes at the line of scrimmage in seven-on-seven drills, Washington keeps one eye out — at all times — for defensive safety Justin Garrett.
“I’ve been hit like I don’t ever want to be hit again by JG,” Washington said. “I was out in the open. I thought I was free. Then he came over and hit me.
“That’s the hardest hit I’ve ever taken. Even in a game. And he’s hit me a few times.”
Washington — who carried the football only 46 times (36 rushes for 184 yards and 10 pass receptions for 70 yards) as a true freshman — will be hit time and again as a sophomore.
In the spring, Washington, a former Simone Award winner from Raymore-Peculiar High, charged from second team past senior-to-be Jimmy Jackson to the top of the MU depth chart at running back.
It surprised even his mother, Sarah, who had great expectations.
“I was really excited,” Sarah Washington said. “I thought he would have a chance to do that. But I wasn’t sure because Jimmy Jackson is a pretty good running back, too, and he’s been there a lot longer.
“We kind of expected him to eventually get (the starting job), but I didn’t expect it to be that soon.”
Her son — quick and powerful at 5 feet 11 and 215 pounds — had waited long enough.
“I have high expectations for myself,” Washington said. “Not numbers. But I want to be a 1,000-yard rusher. If I can do that in the Big 12, I’m a pretty good back.”
Tony Temple ended his career as the first running back in MU history to post back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. But Temple, a former Rockhurst star, also paved the way for Washington.
“People took me under their wing when I came here,” Temple said, “and I’m happy to do that for him.”
Washington could be more productive than Temple. Washington already has a reputation of being a better receiver out of the backfield than Temple or any current running back.
“I can go either way,” Washington said. “I just want the ball in my hands.”
Does that sound cocky? Or merely confident?
“I fit in wherever the team needs me,” he said. “I’m not worried about anything else. I’ll do what I can. I’ll do what they ask me to do.”
What MU probably will request is that Washington lead the way for a running game that might employ three tailbacks.
Jackson has been a punishing runner near the goal line, scoring seven touchdowns and running for 331 yards on 67 carries a year ago.
New to the mix will be De’Vion Moore, a 5-9, 195-pound redshirt freshman with great speed and agility.
MU offensive lineman Kurtis Gregory said there was little difference a year ago between blocking for Temple and Washington.
“It was really hard to tell when we switched running backs,” Gregory said, adding slyly, “You could tell with Jimmy, because he ran up your back a little more often.”
Washington also has a tendency to run a little higher than the other backs, looking a bit like former great Devin West in that regard.
“Coach (Brian) Jones, he’s been trying to tell me,” Washington said. “For me to survive, I’ve got to get lower.
“That’s not natural for me. But it’s something I have to listen to and do.”
Washington is all ears, in part because he realizes that what was won in the spring could be lost in August with the start of preseason drills.
“I’ve won it,” Washington said of the starting job. “But in August it starts all over again. My name is just up there now. But I’ve got to keep doing what I’m doing.
“But in my head, it’s my job. People are going to have to come to me to get it.”
To reach Mike DeArmond, Missouri reporter for The Star, call 816-234-4353 or send e-mail to mdearmond@kcstar.com
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