JSU Washington should make impact on D-line

Photo: Jackson State Head Coach Rick Comegy


By David Brandt, david.brandt@clarionledger.com

There's not many available starting spots on Jackson State's defense considering the Tigers brought back nine of their 11 starters from last season.

One of the few that figures to grab a first-team spot for the first time is junior defensive end Sam Washington, who takes over for the departed John Archie.

Replacing Archie won't be easy, considering he had a team-high 5 1/2 sacks and 15 1/2 tackles for a loss his senior year.

But coaches say Washington (6-foot-3, 250 pounds) is more than capable of filling Archie's shoes.

Washington was on the team last year, but sat out almost the entire year because of back surgery.

"Honestly, when this coaching staff first came to Jackson State last year, Sam might have been our favorite player," JSU defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes said. "Then he had the setback with his back, but he's recovered to be even stronger than he was before. We're expecting very good things."

Washington could be part of a starting defensive line that tentatively includes Idrees Abdur-Rashied, Corey Clark and Jamile Owens.

"I think I could put up the numbers Archie put up and then maybe more," Washington said. "I think we have a championship team with the guys we have coming back and I'm looking forward to being a part of it."

THE KICKING GAME

One of Jackson State's strengths this season figures to be its kicking game.

Sophomore Eric Perri returns after kicking a school record-tying 47-yard field goal last season and booting a 52-yarder during the spring game.

The only problem is the Tigers still aren't sure who's going to do the long snapping or be the holder. Linebacker Marcellus Speaks and tight end Marcel Frost are among a handful of guys auditioning for the long snapper spot while quarterbacks Jimmy Oliver and Tray Rutland and punter Brett Bennett have all tried their hand at holder.

"Both of those are really important spots," Perri said. "Because if we don't have a good snapper or a holder, I'm basically useless."

GOOD NEWS

The Tigers received good news on Tuesday when tight end Marcel Frost was cleared to begin conditioning. Frost broke his leg in the JSU spring game and has had a long recovery time.

Offensive coordinator James Woody said Frost could be in full pads in "2 or 3 weeks" though he wasn't sure if he would play in the team's first game against Delta State.