Timberland standout offensive lineman Quinton Washington has been pegged as one of the top overall prospects in South Carolina’s class of 2009.
The 6’4”, 315-pound lineman made a name for himself his junior year, opening up big holes and flattening defenders for Timberland’s feature running back Rockarius King.
“You have to work hard on this team,” Washington said. “You always have to remember that you’re the only thing that stands between the other team and your running back or quarterback.”
During an interview last week, Washington excused himself to take a call from the University of Tennessee, and is already being looked at by the likes of Clemson, South Carolina, Maryland and Alabama.
“I’m very excited to have so many schools interested in me,” he said. “I work hard every day to be a better player. I do my best to protect the guys behind me.”
In addition to his skills on the football field, Washington was selected to the 2008 South Carolina weightlifting All-State team and was the state champion in the unlimited weight class.
“Everything you do before the start of a new football season can have an effect on how you play the game and what type of player your going to be,” he said. “I am always trying to stay in shape and work hard because that’s the type of athlete the team needs me to be and the kind of athlete I want to be.”
As the Wolves wrapped up their final spring practice last month, Washington said he would continue to work hard over the summer and addressed the importance of his upcoming year at Timberland.
“You always want to have a winning season whenever you step out onto that field,” he said. “I think it means even more when it’s your senior year. We have great group of guys returning this year. We’re all very close and we want to bring home a state championship.”
Washington said he would continue to keep his options open when deciding on what college to attended in 2009.
“I still have a lot to think about before I make any kind of decision,” he said. “This summer I’m going to stay focused on my final season with Timberland and enjoy my senior year.”