Injury slows fast start for Cats' Washington
First impressions mean a lot and El Dorado's Jackie Washington made a great one during last year's football season. The sophomore's first game against Conway featured an 82-yard touchdown reception and a 95-yard kickoff return for a TD.
Unfortunately, an injury made that first game the highlight of the season for Washington, who finished with 14 receptions for 290 yards and six touchdowns. But the flashes he showed in his debut have Wildcat fans giddy for what's to come.
“He's an explosive playmaker. We need to exploit him in the offense for sure,” said El Dorado coach Steven Jones. “He's a guy that is a game changer. During that Conway game after he took back that kickoff, he kind of got injured. It was a lower back thing and really for the rest of the season, it kind of bothered him. Once he made it to basketball, I feel like he got back to a hundred percent.
"We look forward to having Jackie back completely healthy. He was kind of in-and-out with pain last year after that first game. He got back in spots, made some big plays against Greenwood. I feel like he showed he had the ability to make plays. When he's a hundred percent, he's going to be one of the best guys we throw out there in space.”
Washington, who totaled 333 yards on 15 kickoff returns, admitted he never really got everything clicking again after the first game.
“My injury in the middle of my first big game was so frustrating,” he said. “I would try to practice after the Conway game, but my injured hip wouldn't let me, so my athlete trainer Mrs. Morgan, who is like a mother to all the players, had me getting in ice baths until my injury was numbed.
“I know I could get my rhythm back because that was a minor setback for a major comeback.”
For Washington, and most of the El Dorado roster, the season was a struggle and the off-season was filled with turmoil. And that's before COVID-19 shutdown even occurred.
“After losing my best friend at the beginning of March, I had a big set back,” said Washington, who said it didn't stop him from perfecting his craft. “I've been working on my footwork and balance trying to better myself from the previous season.”
As for the timing in the passing game, Washington said he already has a rapport with quarterback Eli Shepherd. If there's no 7-on-7 over the summer, he doesn't feel that would be a detriment, either.
“No not really because my team is a family. We know how to flip that switch when it's time to work, and I know my team will have my back,” said Washington, who will go from
the No. 3 receiver to the top of the food chain after the graduation of Steven Tollette and Devunte Kidd.
“Steven and Devunte taught me a lot last season that was very helpful. They were true leaders, so with me being a two-year starter, I know that I have to step up and be one of the leaders of the team,” he said. “As receivers, we're taught to know when to shut our routes down or when to continue them, but I can handle it.
“Last year's season was pretty exciting and fun because I was able to play with some hard-working players Steven Tollette, Devunte Kidd, AJ Hicks, Keshun Rucks, Jacoby Hankton and JC Lewis. They all taught me to be a better and tougher player.”
Coach Jones said he's looking forward to seeing Washington shoulder a bigger load in the offense.
“He was more of a role player on our offense last year. With Devunte Kidd and Steven Tollette out there, he was kind of the third guy. Both of those guys are gone so we expect Jackie to step up and be the guy,” said Jones. “We expect him to be a playmaker and draw a lot of attention, which is going to help us out in our run game. I don't expect there will be a time where there's not safety help over the top of Jackie. They're going to know where number eight is lined up next year..”
At 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, Washington showed the speed to get deep and an ability to do something special after making the catch. Jones said he also has intangibles that receivers need.
“The biggest thing for Jackie is confidence. He's a very confident kid,” Jones said. “If there's a 50-50 ball in the air, he has no doubt in his mind, he's about to go up and pull it down. That's a guy you really want to find a way to incorporate because he knows he's going to make the play.”
Washington looks forward to reintroducing himself to the Wildcat fan base. He's excited about the season and is hoping for more than a one-game flash.
“Everybody asks me how many touchdowns are you going to get this season? I just say whatever God has in store for me,” he said. “The reason I say that is because if I set a touchdown goal and achieve it by the middle of the season then I'll think that's good enough but it's not. I'm the type of person who doesn't set myself low.
“My goal for this season is to grow my team and get some rings.”