Marcus Washington
RB, 6'1, 195 LBS ESPN Grade = 73
Fr. Phoenix Arizona (Desert Vista HS)
Overview:
The third and final running back recruit of the '09 class, was a teammate of current Sun Devils Allante BAttle, Steven Figueroa and Zeb Togiai on Desert Vista's 2007 Arizona Class 5A-I state championship runner-up squad.
Scouting Report:
Scouts -
Washington is a good-looking running back prospect on the hoof and shows strong in-line running skills on film. Has a taller frame with well-proportioned bulk. Utilizes size well breaking initial contact and driving the pile. Shows similar strength and toughness when asked to block and seal the edge. Hits the hole with good urgency and does not waste much time squaring up his shoulder pads and accelerating downhill. Shows above average burst out of his cuts for added powewr. Not overly elusive when he breaks free in the second level but will lower the shoulder and barrel over smaller defensive backs. While he shows some burst through the hole, he is a bit straight-lined and struggles finding and fluidly slipping through the small cutback creases. Not a "pick and dart" zone type of runner; lateral foot-quickness and agility are marginal. Does not produce great yards after contact for a downhill power-back with his good bulk. Sturdy runner with good balance but needs to watch body-tilt; tends to run high and could open himself up for big hits. Top-end speed in the second level is just adequate. That said, Washington could continue to physically develop into a 210-pound slasher and a productive change-of-pace runner in college. Good hands and overall receiving skills out of the backfield add to his upside. Physical tools to play outside linebacker or a Bandit/Rover type spot; speed and hips may be better suited on defense. (He will be playing RB)
Accolades:
Rated as the No. 42 running back prospect in the nation by Rivals.com and also regarded by Rivals as the NO. 9 overall player in the state of Arizona and the state's No. 2 running back recruit, behind only fellow ASU signee Jamal Miles. Named to the Friday Night Heroes list by Phoenix Metro Football Magazine.
High Sschool Career
Coached by Dan Hinds at Desert Vista High School
Senior Year, 2008
Split carries with several teammates as a senior and carried 63 times for 245 yards with 3 TD. Collected 53 yards on only four carries against Mesa on Sept. 12, 2008. Posted a career-high 16 carries and gained 59 yards and a rushing touchdown against Mesquite on Sept. 26, 2008. Also collected 11 tackles and a fumble recovery
as a defensive back.
Junior Year, 2007
Carried 53 times for 415 yards (7.8 avg.) with 4 TD as a junior and added nine tackles on defense. Gained a career-high 102 yards on only two carries against Yuma on Oct. 12, 2007, both 51-yard touchdown runs. Had a career-high 14 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown against Red Mountain on Nov. 30, 2007. Totaled 51 rushing yards on only four carries with a score against Mountain View on Nov. 16, 2007.
The Decision
"I've always been an Arizona State fan," says Washington, "They have always been my favorite." Chose ASU over Arizona, Utah and Washington State. Committed on Nov. 13, 2008.
The Verdict:
The third and final RB recruit, and as I said with the others, there are only so many carries to go around. Washington is probably the least valuable of the 3 in 2009 and could see a red shirt coming his way. Really not that productive in high school compared to the other guys, hard to know what he really has.