Can we dare to dream?
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 10:31 amGeoff 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."
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."
