Word association.
Waterfront.
Serene. Boating. Jimmy
Buffet. Margaritas. Fishing. Breeze. Summer. Suntanned beauties.
I could go on, but you get the point. It conjures pleasant images and good times. Unless of course it's attached to a 6-3, 280-pound Southeast Texas ball of butcher knives as it is with DeShawn 'Waterfront' Washington.
Now it sounds a bit more
ominous.
Waterfront.
Union bosses. Mobsters.
Prohibition. Racketeering. Marlon Brando.
In line with the shadowy
interpretation of that word, Washington is a violent and physical presence who
exerts his will and force on others. He dictates, rather than being dictated
to. He doesn't accept blocks, he blows by them. He doesn't give ground at
contact, he pushes back to the negative side of the line of scrimmage. You're
in his world, he's not in yours.
I caught up with
the young Nederland defensive lineman recently and I came to the quick
realization that both 'Waterfronts' are befitting. Also evident, it sounds like
he could be a contender for an offer.
So, dock your Cris Craft,
pop the top on a Pacifico and turn up the Bob Marley as we properly introduce
you to Mr. Washington.
Inside Texas: What's
going on DeShawn? How is everything?
DeShawn Washington: I'm
good, thanks, how are you?
IT: Couldn't be better. I
saw your highlights in the middle of the season and was impressed. I don't know
what took me so long to get a hold of you. What schools are you hearing
from?
DW: I've been hearing
from Texas, Texas Tech, UTSA and A&M some.
IT: Are you attending any
junior days?
DW: Oh yes sir. I go to
Tech on February 10th, UTSA on the 17th and Texas on the 23rd.
IT: Sounds like Texas is
really interested...
DW: Yes sir. Coach Bo
Davis came by a couple times this season and told me I've improved a lot. As a
sophomore I played tight end mostly but he said I've gotten a lot better from
the beginning of this season to the end of it. He came by after our fourth game
and then again late in the season. They invited me to the junior day about two
weeks ago.
IT: Did Texas say anything
about an offer?
DW: Coach Bo told me to
come to campus and maybe they can work something out with an offer.
IT: Nice. One thing about
your hudl highlights that stood out to me was that you play defensive end,
rather than defensive tackle. You're pretty big to be on the edge.
DW: Yes I am, but my
coaches think I'm quick enough to play out there and can contain.
IT: Judging by your
highlights you're plenty quick. I love the way you get in the backfield. In an
ideal world, where would you go to college? Who were your favorites growing up?
DW: I liked Texas and
A&M. I really liked the rivalry they had. I also like LSU but I haven't
heard from them.
IT: Judging what I've
seen you're going to hear from them and more. Let's catch up before you head to
Austin.
DW: No problem, we'll be
in contact.