Can we dare to dream?

[me@smu]

Geoff Ketchum
Orangebloods.com

The class to end all classes.

That's what many are claiming when discussing the future of recruiting in the state of Texas in 2008. Not since 2002 when the Lone Star State produced five five-star recruits, including All-Americans like Vince Young, Rod Wright and Justin Blalock, has a recruiting class emerged with so much top-end talent at such an early point of the evaluation process.

Keller Fossil Ridge defensive end R.J. Washington is the state's top prospect. The identities of the top prospects have already become household names. Gilmer athlete Justin Johnson, Paris offensive lineman Stephen Good, Van running back Jermie Calhoun and Klein offensive lineman J.B. Shugarts have already been built to be potential five-star prospects.

However, it was another player that debuted in the top spot of the Lone Star Recruiting Top 100 list last week. In a year when the battle for the top spot will be as fierce as any in the last ten years, Keller Fossil Ridge defensive end R.J. Washington is the original pole sitter.

Of course, when talking to Washington there's no question that he's comfortable in the high-profile role.

"I kind of expected it," Washington said this week. "I had heard some people say that this season. It's an honor for anyone to say that and I want to make sure that live up to the talk. Coach Washington doesn't allow me to waste my potential. They make sure I get the most out of my abilities."

Anyone that has seen Washington in action this season can testify to his greatness on the field. Despite taking on double- and triple-teams on a play-by-play basis and opposing game plans designed to make his impact minimal, Washington has recorded double-digit sacks for the second consecutive season.

When asked if he thought he was playing at a level suited for a highly-ranked national prospect, Washington replied. "Better, actually. I don't think I've met anyone that can block me one-on-one for a whole game."

For the determined and charismatic Washington, the only frustrating moments this season have occurred when opposing teams have gone out of their way to eliminate from being an impact player.

"There were a couple of games where I was just a role player because of the game plan by other teams. It was really (upsetting) me. When I'm on the field I want to be able to make things happen."

The 6-4, 225-pound Washington hopes to make a huge impact on Thursday night when Fossil Ridge takes on Birdville for the District 6-4A district title.

"We're already in the playoffs, but this is a big game," Washington said. "I'll be upset if we don't (win).

As far as recruiting is concerned, Washington hasn't really allowed himself to get consumed with the process that will soon determine his future, even if schools like Nebraska, Texas A&M and Oklahoma have already officially offer him scholarships.

"I like UT. I like Oklahoma," Washington said when asked if there were any schools that stood out from the pack at this stage of the recruiting process. "My grandmother kind of likes Oklahoma because she lives close by."

The more Washington talks about his family's preference, the more it's obvious that there's no real consensus yet on a lead school, which is fine with Washington.

"My dad went to SMU and he's told me that he's not ever going to wear burnt orange," Washington joked. "I've got to make my own decision that's best for me."

[OC Mustang]

Listen to your elders, young one.

[RGV Pony]

Hopefully PB tells him his story about how he went to a$m.

PB: I like SMU..I'm going to SMU.
PB's mom: You're going to a$m.

PB: uhh...gig 'em.

[Stallion]

Obviously the son of the Great Russ Washington who played DE in the early 1980s.

[Stallion]

It really is amazing how many of those 1980s players have had outstanding offspring Carl Wright(Top 100 Bracey Wright), Michael Carter(two nationally ranked woman shotputters went to Rice and UT I believe), Russell Carter(son went to Stanford), Craig James(went to Tech), Grady Burnette (whose kid was a 4 star OLM and went to UT), and just a few. We need to start getting some these offspring and brothers and sisters such as Shanderrick Charles' brother at UT. Add in this Russ Washington's kid who might be a Top 5 player based on this report. I guess Darold Turner's son Bryan Turner signed with SMU. Paul Sturdivant's son Joe has been outstanding but he was from the 1970s. Bill Weatherford's son at Florida St. was a 5 star National recruit-his brothers is highly recruited senior in high school and these kids are double SMU QB legacies. Anybody else know of any other famous offspring in the pipeline. I think Arthur Whittington's nephew or son who is named after SMU signee Quincy Whittington is one who is at Cuero and only a junior I believe.

[SMU Football Blog]

Isn't it early to say Craig James' son is an outstanding athlete?

[Stallion]

our best shot is probably if Mrydel married a youngster.

[mrydel]

our best shot is probably if Mrydel married a youngster.

Sorry, Mine are all girls. Ponyte has the young ones coming up but he has sired females also. Maybe we can get them on the golf team but only f we can keep jtstang away from them.

[OC Mustang]

Hopefully PB tells him his story about how he went to a$m.

PB: I like SMU..I'm going to SMU.
PB's mom: You're going to a$m.

PB: uhh...gig 'em.

His high school coach in Marshall at the time, the guy who he will say gave him his start in football, Dan Moreman Sr., played O-line for SMU with the 1966 Hayden Fry/Jerry Levias team. I think that might be where he got his desire to play for the Mustangs. Dan Moreman Jr. walked on for a bit after the DP, and he is my kids' godfather.

Small world. Real small world.

Hope Washington understand how these relationships can help him along after he graduates....