Series:
2020 South Dade (FL) S Keshawn Washington signed with Miami today. He was the third player to send in his letter of intent
The 6-2 175 pounder is currently a consensus 4-star in the national rankings. According to the 247Sports Composite, Washington is the #367 player nationally, #34 S in the country, and the #60 player in the Sunshine State.
Recruiting Story
Washington’s story starts back in May of 2018 when he earned an offer from the hometown Hurricanes. It wouldn’t take long for Washington to commit to Miami. He committed in July of 2018 while on campus for Paradise Camp. However, we are not done yet. After Miami suffered a poor 2018 season and Manny Diaz left for Temple, Washington reopened his recruitment. Washington returned to the class in March of 2019 with Manny Diaz back in Miami as a head coach. Shortly after his second commitment to Miami, Washington took a visit to Florida State. While some though FSU might be in position to flip Washington, nothing ended up coming from to visit. Washington was solid on his pledge to Miami from that point forward.
Evaluation
The 6’2” 175 pound prospect is likely to play striker linebacker at Miami and has the exact frame that could grow into a force at the position, although his ball skills give him a shot to stick at safety as well. What stands out immediately on Washington’s tape is ability to make a play on the football. The South Dade star is able to track the ball in the air like a hawk, high point it, and come down with it almost like a receiver. He’d make a great center fielder in the middle of a defense and Manny Diaz loves to use those types in single-high coverages. He demonstrates some great range and is able to cover a lot of ground quickly. Washington is the type of player that can be moved all over the field and his versatility allows for a lot of flexibility in the amount of looks you can throw at an offense. Despite his slight frame, Washington isn’t afraid to come up into the box and make a hit either.
At Paradise Camp in 2018, we got a first-hand look at Washington. Some might compare him to Diamante Howard and I could see that based on their body types, as well as lacking in long speed; however, Washington has much better short-area quickness. Another attribute that comes across in Washington’s game is his instincts and how he seems to recognize a play and react quickly based on what he’s seeing. I really liked how he knew exactly where to be to make a play and was already in motion to break things up a split second before the route was completely clear or the ball was even in the air. He could really shine in coverage as a striker in blanketing TE’s and RB’s and plays with great anticipation.
Recovery from double shoulder injuries/surgery during his junior year set him back and, along with his poor long speed, has some down on Washington’s potential at the next level. However, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Washington carve out a role as a key contributor in Diaz’s defense.
The Team
At striker, Miami lost Romeo Finley to graduation. Finley has been Miami’s starter at striker ever since the position was brought to Miami two years ago. Gilbert Frierson served as Finley’s backup last season but struggled at times. Frierson does not have that position locked up so Washington could challenge for playing time as early as his freshman season.
Redshirt Probability: 5/10
While the striker position is going to be an open competition next season, Washington will need to do a lot of work in the weight room before he can challenge for playing time. The good news for Washington is that he is on pace to enroll early, so he will have the spring months to reshape his body. Washington’s playing time as a freshman will be largely determined by his work in the weight room.
The 6-2 175 pounder is currently a consensus 4-star in the national rankings. According to the 247Sports Composite, Washington is the #367 player nationally, #34 S in the country, and the #60 player in the Sunshine State.
Recruiting Story
Washington’s story starts back in May of 2018 when he earned an offer from the hometown Hurricanes. It wouldn’t take long for Washington to commit to Miami. He committed in July of 2018 while on campus for Paradise Camp. However, we are not done yet. After Miami suffered a poor 2018 season and Manny Diaz left for Temple, Washington reopened his recruitment. Washington returned to the class in March of 2019 with Manny Diaz back in Miami as a head coach. Shortly after his second commitment to Miami, Washington took a visit to Florida State. While some though FSU might be in position to flip Washington, nothing ended up coming from to visit. Washington was solid on his pledge to Miami from that point forward.
Evaluation
The 6’2” 175 pound prospect is likely to play striker linebacker at Miami and has the exact frame that could grow into a force at the position, although his ball skills give him a shot to stick at safety as well. What stands out immediately on Washington’s tape is ability to make a play on the football. The South Dade star is able to track the ball in the air like a hawk, high point it, and come down with it almost like a receiver. He’d make a great center fielder in the middle of a defense and Manny Diaz loves to use those types in single-high coverages. He demonstrates some great range and is able to cover a lot of ground quickly. Washington is the type of player that can be moved all over the field and his versatility allows for a lot of flexibility in the amount of looks you can throw at an offense. Despite his slight frame, Washington isn’t afraid to come up into the box and make a hit either.
At Paradise Camp in 2018, we got a first-hand look at Washington. Some might compare him to Diamante Howard and I could see that based on their body types, as well as lacking in long speed; however, Washington has much better short-area quickness. Another attribute that comes across in Washington’s game is his instincts and how he seems to recognize a play and react quickly based on what he’s seeing. I really liked how he knew exactly where to be to make a play and was already in motion to break things up a split second before the route was completely clear or the ball was even in the air. He could really shine in coverage as a striker in blanketing TE’s and RB’s and plays with great anticipation.
Recovery from double shoulder injuries/surgery during his junior year set him back and, along with his poor long speed, has some down on Washington’s potential at the next level. However, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Washington carve out a role as a key contributor in Diaz’s defense.
The Team
At striker, Miami lost Romeo Finley to graduation. Finley has been Miami’s starter at striker ever since the position was brought to Miami two years ago. Gilbert Frierson served as Finley’s backup last season but struggled at times. Frierson does not have that position locked up so Washington could challenge for playing time as early as his freshman season.
Redshirt Probability: 5/10
While the striker position is going to be an open competition next season, Washington will need to do a lot of work in the weight room before he can challenge for playing time. The good news for Washington is that he is on pace to enroll early, so he will have the spring months to reshape his body. Washington’s playing time as a freshman will be largely determined by his work in the weight room.
