A Man On A Mission
Sep 19, 2003 | Football
By Abbey Koch
Sports Information Student Assistant
In high school, Rashad Washington was recognized as one of the state's elite running backs, and that's exactly what Kansas State Head Coach Bill Snyder and the Wildcats recruited him for.
Who would have thought he would be where he is today?
Just four games into the season, Washington, a senior safety from Wichita, is giving Wildcat fans and the world of college football just a glimpse of what he's got in store for the rest of the season.
With only one interception return for a touchdown going into the McNeese State game, Washington took advantage of the Cowboys' offensive mistakes and came up with two interceptions, returning one for a 45-yard touchdown.
After such a dynamic start to the 2003 season, Washington has much to be excited about.
"I'm looking forward to being out there with the guys," he said. "Just having a good season and trying to do something special with this team, because we have a lot of talent and the sky is the limit for us."
Last year, Washington received honorable mention All-Big 12 honors as a defensive back as he ranked third on the team in total tackles (80). When asked what he would change about his K-State career, Washington quickly knew of just the thing.
"I would have made the switch to defense earlier, because if I had switched over, I would have been more experienced and had more time to gel at the position," he said. "I had a great coach teaching me, plus I learned a lot from former coach Phil Bennett when he was here and how he ran things."
Not only is Washington a respected player throughout the Big 12, but also by his teammates and coaches. Last spring, his peers voted him in as a team captain and team representative.
Washington considers himself a leader on the team, but in a different way.
"I think of myself not as much as a vocal leader as other guys on the team, but more of a guy that leads by example," he said. "I try to do things right as much as possible and let guys see that and feed off of that."
Starting safety isn't enough for this 6-foot-3 weapon, because he's much too versatile for that. At a recent press conference, Snyder commented on Washington.
"I have a great appreciation for Rashad Washington," he said. "Rashad wants to be on virtually every special teams unit and he's addressed the issue with me about wanting to be there. If there has been a problem with a certain position on special teams he says, hey, let me go do it.'
"You appreciate someone with that kind of approach. That to me is a team-invested approach Rashad has and we have a few guys like that, but we probably don't have enough."
Former Wildcat Terence Newman roomed with Washington for a few years and taught him many tricks of the trade.
"I learned a lot from Terence just being his roommate over the years," Washington said. "The time has now come where I have to step into the role where I have to be the leader out there and make sure everyone's doing what they're suppose to be doing."
Although football plays a big role in Washington's life, one thing comes before the rest - his family.
"My family is more important than anything, especially my son Derrius who is four years old," he said. "He's my motivation and keeps me going everyday."
The NFL isn't Washington's main focus, though, he thinks about it from time to time. "If it happens, it happens," he said.
Washington is more concerned with schoolwork as he's scheduled to graduate this December.
"My main goal off the field is to come out with a degree come December when I will graduate with a degree in social science," he said. "I haven't really thought about what I'll do with my degree, but I've always wanted to do something with kids."
With such a strong start already in the 2003 season, there's no telling what Washington will do next.
"My main goal is to go out there and give the best effort I can possibly give to come out with a victory."
