On Saturday, 2023 Miami Palmetto (FL) 4-star ATH Robby Washington was out at the Miami Hurricanes' first ever Legends Camp under new head coach Mario Cristobal; although Washington did not participate in the actual camp, he was able to take in all the sights and sounds of the experience.
"It was good - it was nice to see all the legends around here walking around, coaching the kids up, trying to get us better for the next level," Washington said. "They were just telling us what we can do to get to that next stage of our careers."
Whether it has been Paradise or Legends Camp, over the years the Canes have been known to bring back a star-studded roster of former players to Coral Gables for their biggest event of the summer. This year was no different, and Washington was excited to be able to mingle with some past greats from "The U" at camp.
"I talked to all of them, but Reggie Wayne and Roscoe Parrish were my favorites," Washington said. "Reggie, he was telling me to stay in it, keep staying focused, and stay home."
Since his commitment to Miami in March, Washington has continued to receive offers and interest from other major programs, but the 5'10" 185 pound athlete says he has shut his recruitment down and is solid to UM.
"I'm completely locked in, no other visits," Washington said of his UM commitment.
While Washington was originally recruited and offered by Miami's previous staff under former HC Manny Diaz, Washington says the relationship between him and the new staff under Cristobal at UM has been progressing quickly over the past 6 months.
"They treat me like family really, it's been going good," Washington said of Cristobal's staff. "I like the new staff way better than the old staff."
At UM, the Miami Palmetto star's primary connection has been with offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, who seems to have sold Washington on his vision for both Washington's role in the attack unit, as well as where the program is heading overall.
"[Gattis] tells me how we're rebuilding, but I obviously can see that. Give it two or three years, we're going to win the natty," Washington said of UM. "He tells me that the offense is all about getting the playmakers in space, and that's how he sees me, a playmaker. He just wants to get me in space and let me do my thing, let me go make plays for him, and that's all I want to do."
As an early member of Cristobal's first full recruiting class at UM, Washington has taken on a leadership role within the group to help ensure he will be surrounded by quality talent once he arrives at Miami. Talking about other recruits he's in contact with and trying to add to the class, Washington singled out a certain 5-star that was his 7-on-7 quarterback from the Miami Immortals.
"I'm trying to lock in Jaden Rashada, he isn't here right now though but I'm trying to get him," Washington said. "We have a good relationship, talk a lot. He told me he liked the (Miami) visit, that he might lock in, but we're going to keep that on the low."
Over the offseason, Washington made the move from Killian to Miami Palmetto to end his high school career. Heading into his senior year this fall, Washington is looking to improve upon his junior season stats, where he finished with 24 total touchdowns (16 receiving, 4 rushing, 4 return).
"For my senior year, I'm projecting 30 TD's. I'm just using this offseason to improve my hands, catching the ball," he said.
As for his style of play and what Canes fans can expect once he touches down on campus, Washington simply offered up a modest player comparison.
"Expect Devin Hester reincarnated. Yes sir, Devin Hester."
"It was good - it was nice to see all the legends around here walking around, coaching the kids up, trying to get us better for the next level," Washington said. "They were just telling us what we can do to get to that next stage of our careers."
Whether it has been Paradise or Legends Camp, over the years the Canes have been known to bring back a star-studded roster of former players to Coral Gables for their biggest event of the summer. This year was no different, and Washington was excited to be able to mingle with some past greats from "The U" at camp.
"I talked to all of them, but Reggie Wayne and Roscoe Parrish were my favorites," Washington said. "Reggie, he was telling me to stay in it, keep staying focused, and stay home."
Since his commitment to Miami in March, Washington has continued to receive offers and interest from other major programs, but the 5'10" 185 pound athlete says he has shut his recruitment down and is solid to UM.
"I'm completely locked in, no other visits," Washington said of his UM commitment.
While Washington was originally recruited and offered by Miami's previous staff under former HC Manny Diaz, Washington says the relationship between him and the new staff under Cristobal at UM has been progressing quickly over the past 6 months.
"They treat me like family really, it's been going good," Washington said of Cristobal's staff. "I like the new staff way better than the old staff."
At UM, the Miami Palmetto star's primary connection has been with offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, who seems to have sold Washington on his vision for both Washington's role in the attack unit, as well as where the program is heading overall.
"[Gattis] tells me how we're rebuilding, but I obviously can see that. Give it two or three years, we're going to win the natty," Washington said of UM. "He tells me that the offense is all about getting the playmakers in space, and that's how he sees me, a playmaker. He just wants to get me in space and let me do my thing, let me go make plays for him, and that's all I want to do."
As an early member of Cristobal's first full recruiting class at UM, Washington has taken on a leadership role within the group to help ensure he will be surrounded by quality talent once he arrives at Miami. Talking about other recruits he's in contact with and trying to add to the class, Washington singled out a certain 5-star that was his 7-on-7 quarterback from the Miami Immortals.
"I'm trying to lock in Jaden Rashada, he isn't here right now though but I'm trying to get him," Washington said. "We have a good relationship, talk a lot. He told me he liked the (Miami) visit, that he might lock in, but we're going to keep that on the low."
Over the offseason, Washington made the move from Killian to Miami Palmetto to end his high school career. Heading into his senior year this fall, Washington is looking to improve upon his junior season stats, where he finished with 24 total touchdowns (16 receiving, 4 rushing, 4 return).
"For my senior year, I'm projecting 30 TD's. I'm just using this offseason to improve my hands, catching the ball," he said.
As for his style of play and what Canes fans can expect once he touches down on campus, Washington simply offered up a modest player comparison.
"Expect Devin Hester reincarnated. Yes sir, Devin Hester."
