Derrick Washington is going to leave more than a few defenders in his dust this season (photo courtesy of David E. Klutho/SI).
A lot has been said and written about Derrick Washington this off-season. Everyone knows he's dropped a few pounds to get quicker. Everyone knows he's emerged as a leader for the Missouri Tigers. Hell, Paul already wrote an article arguing that he deserves more carries this season and I mentioned in my last post that he looked phenomenal in last Thursday's scrimmage.
However, after seeing D-Wash several times this off-season, I'm going to take things one step further. What I am about to write is nothing more than a feeling. I have absolutely zero merit to back it up. Yet, I've got a feeling that I wanted to put into writing.
Derrick Washington is going to amass at least 1,500 yards this season. You heard it here first.
Here's some perspective on that number. As a sophomore, Washington rushed for 1,078 yards and gained 277 yards receiving for a total of 1,355 yards. Last season, as a junior, Washington's numbers dipped to 865 and 156 respectively for a total of 1,021 total yards.
1,500 yards is a significant jump in last year's numbers, but it is no doubt attainable. Once you see Washington for yourself this season, I think you'll agree.
Remember for a second, back to the Jeremy Maclin days. Remember when he had the ball in his hands you always had a feeling he might just take it to the house? It could be a 5 yard slant, yet in the back of your mind you never ruled out Maclin turning it into a TD. Well, this off-season, Derrick Washington has given me that feeling.
He's faster, he's quicker, he hits holes harder. Blaine Gabbert is no doubt in the driver's seat of the Missouri offense, but Washington is the engine that is going to take it where it needs to go.
I see Washington rushing for about 1,200 yards and gaining about 300 more receiving. In Mizzou's two scrimmages so far this fall Washington has carried the ball 14 times for 168 yards and a touchdown. He's also caught six passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns. That's nearly 300 yards in just two games. Granted, those are scrimmage statistics and can't be taken too seriously, but trust me, they're a sign of things to come.
Call me a homer, tell me I'm drinking the kool-aid, and I'll tell you you're right. I am. And a lot more people will be too once they see D-Wash this season.
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