Hill’s big day sparks LSU rushing attack
September 17, 2013Slain cop’s family still seeks answers
September 17, 2013
Nicholls State running back Marcus Washington is tied to some impressive blood lines.
As the cousin of Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones and Carolina Panthers defensive back Robert Lester, Washington knows there’s a little bit of a family name to live up to.
As a standout at Foley High School in South Alabama, Washington went up against some of the best prep stars in the southeast, including his own family in Lester during practice sessions at Foley. He says that experience made him a better player.
“I was playing quarterback then, so it was about being mentally tough,” Washington said. “Knowing that you come from such a good blood line with guys that have been to the NFL in my family, it’s a lot of pressure knowing that those are your cousins and they’re doing big things. But it motivates you a lot to try to get to their level.”
The versatile athlete is still an integral part of an offense now, but as Nicholls State’s premiere running back.
The senior tailback has competed since his true freshman season in 2010 and in 2012 finished with almost 600 rushing yards, averaging just over 5 yards per carry.
This season, he’s been featured significantly in each of the Colonels’ first three games, averaging 3.8 yards per carry.
But it’s not just Washington’s strengths in the ground game that make him a threat; it’s his ability to catch passes as well.
In fact, of the entire Colonels’ receiving corps, Washington has garnered the most receptions this season with 15 catches through three games and is the team’s leader in all-purpose yards with 274 yards.
In his best game of the season to date, he hauled in 11 passes for 92 yards in the Colonels’ season-opening loss to Oregon. The following week, he came through on the ground with 65 yards on 18 carries in the team’s upset victory over Western Michigan.
Washington added two catches for 21 yards in Nicholls’ 70-7 loss to Louisiana-Lafayette last Saturday and 37 yards on the ground on seven carries.
According to Nicholls State coach Charlie Stubbs, getting Washington involved is a crucial part of the Colonels’ offense.
“The biggest thing with Marcus is you’re always trying to get the ball in his hands,” Stubbs said. “He (carries) the ball, but he also gets the ball in the way of receiving so it’s about touches. He’s a solid guy. He shows up in every game. Even when you’re playing the really dominant teams like Oregon, he looks like belongs out there.
“I know we throw to our backs a tremendous amount of time. Part of our running game, you could say, is our passes to our backs.”
Having a player like Washington on the field is a lot of fun to watch, and a lot of fun to block for, said senior Colonels left tackle Abasi Salimu.
“He’s just a great leader,” Salimu said of Washington. “He makes people miss and he’s not easy to tackle, which makes our job a little easier. We take care of what we can take care of and then if there’s one guy left, he does a great job of making him miss. He’s real fun to block for just because of his abilities and what he brings to the table. He’s a guy who can score for us (anywhere on the field).”
With Nicholls State’s quarterbacks suffering various injuries this year – Beaux Hebert (concussion) and Kalen Henderson (knee) – having a strong threat at running back has become all the more important for the Colonels.
Stubbs said Washington hasn’t experienced any more pressure than usual, even though the Colonels have had to reach down into their depth chart at quarterback.
“We’re not inept at quarterback and he’ll get what he gets,” Stubbs said. “We want him to get the ball no matter who’s out there at quarterback, but he doesn’t have to do anything more than he’s doing.”
Washington said he doesn’t mind shouldering the load if asked.
“Whether they need me to run the ball 30 times or block or catch passes, I’m just there to make the team better,” he said. “We have running backs behind me that can also come in, but me personally, I’m there all over the field just trying to make it better (on everyone).”
After a tough defeat last Saturday against ULL, Washington will have the opportunity to strut his stuff at home this Saturday when the Colonels host Langston college at John L. Guidry Stadium.
The game will mark the first home contest of the season for Nicholls.
The kick-off for the game is set for 6 p.m.
It will also be Nicholls’ annual Hall of Fame Game.
Nicholls State halfback Marcus Washington looks for yardage during a practice this season, Washington has been a valuable weapon for the Colonels as both a rusher and a receiver. The halfback has a rich pedigree and is related to Atlanta Falcons star Julio Jones.
