Tag: Marcus Washington

Former Georgia DB enters transfer portal for second time

Former Georgia Bulldogs defensive back is expected to transfer away from Louisville after spending one season with the Cardinals

Former Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Marcus Washington Jr. is back in the transfer portal. Washington Jr. transferred from Georgia last spring to the Louisville Cardinals.

Washington Jr. played in 13 games for Louisville, but did not record any stats. He primarily played on special teams and will have three seasons of eligibility remaining at his next college home.

Washington Jr. is a former four-star recruit. He is the son of former Georgia defender Marcus Washington.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back played in one game during the 2022 season with Georgia, recording one tackle. Washington Jr. still has a ton of potential.

Washington joins several other former Georgia players that have entered the transfer portal for the second time in their career. Former Georgia defensive lineman Bill Norton transferred from Arizona to Texas this spring. Former Georgia receiver Justin Robinson transferred to Mississippi State a couple of seasons ago and is back in the portal.

Nebraska wide receiver declares for the NFL draft

A Nebraska wide receiver has entered the NFL draft.

A Nebraska wide receiver entered the NFL draft. Marcus Washington could have filed a waiver for another year of eligibility but instead decided to forgo another season in college and declare for the NFL draft.

Washington missed the season’s final six games after injuring his knee during the Huskers’ 20-7 victory over Illinois. For his career, Washington appeared in 48 games and made 64 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns.

He made the announcement on social media.

First I want to thank god for blessing me with this opportunity, without him I am nothing. Thank you to all my family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone else who’s been with me through this journey. I couldn’t have done this without you guys and you are very appreciated.

Husker Nation I want to thank you for welcoming a kid from St. Louis in open arms easily the best fans in CFB. I will remember every moment.

With that being said I’m officially declaring for the 2024 NFL draft.

Washington did not start his career at Nebraska. He started his career at Texas (2019-21) before transferring to Nebraska for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

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Husker receiver to miss the rest of the season with knee injury

The injury bug has once again bitten the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

The injury bug has once again bitten the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Wide receiver Marcus Washington will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL.

Head coach Matt Rhule confirmed the news at his Tuesday afternoon press conference. Washington injured his knee during the Huskers’ 20-7 victory over the University of Illinois.

This season, the wide receiver had started in all six games with eight catches for 176 yards. For his career, Washington has appeared in 48 games and has made 64 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns.

Washington did not start his career at Nebraska. He started his career at Texas (2019-21) before transferring to Nebraska for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.

‘Commanders are one of 14 NFL teams to not….’

It’s been a while.

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Warren Sharp took a moment Sunday evening to educate his readers that 14 NFL teams have not won a playoff game in the last five seasons.

I immediately thought, “Five years? Why stop there, Warren?”

Well, technically Sharp didn’t. He did actually say “5+ years.”

Commanders fans were already quite aware of this discouraging and frustrating NFL reality. You see, we are all too aware that this NFL franchise has not won a playoff game in well over five years.

Hey Warren, try 18 NFL seasons without a team playoff win!

That’s right, Washington NFL fans have not enjoyed a playoff win since Joe Gibbs 2.0 came out of NFL retirement because he loved the franchise so much he wanted to bring it back some respect.

Gregg Williams was the defensive coordinator, Don Breaux was the offensive coordinator, and Joe Bugel was the offensive line coach.

Quarterback Patrick Ramsey started the season opener, and Mark Brunell the other 15 games. Clinton Portis gained 1,516 yards rushing, including 11 touchdowns.

Santana Moss gained 1,483 receiving yards on 84 receptions (17.7 yards per reception) and 9 receiving touchdowns. Chris Cooley generated 774 receiving yards on 71 receptions and 7 touchdowns.

Ladell Betts returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown. Antonio Brown returned one 91 yards for a touchdown. No, not that “Antonio Brown.”

John Hall and Nick Novak connected on 17 of 21 field goals and all 42 extra-point attempts.

Remember linebacker Lemar Marshall?

He led the team in tackles (101) and interceptions (4). Defensive end Phillip Daniels led with 8.0 quarterback sacks. He and linebacker Marcus Washington each led with 11 tackles for a loss.

What a year that secondary had, getting their hands on balls. Safety Sean Taylor led with 12 passes defended, and corners Walt Harris and Shawn Springs collected 11 and 10, respectively.

In fact, the defense was most responsible for the last playoff win in franchise history those 18 seasons ago, when Washington went down to Tampa and beat the Bucs 17-10.

Brunell was injured and unable to pass effectively, but Coach Joe was not putting Ramsey out there against the Bucs defense. The Washington offense totaled only 120 yards. But they won the turnover battle 3-1, including a Sean Taylor 51-yard fumble recovery touchdown run.

And so it was 18 NFL seasons ago when the Washington NFL team was the “Redskins,” and they last won a playoff game.

 

You can follow Ivan Lambert on Twitter @IvanLambert18 and Commanders Wire @Washington_Wire

Former Georgia DB transferring to Louisville

Former Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Marcus Washington Jr. is transferring to Louisville.

Former Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Marcus Washington Jr. is transferring to Louisville. Washington is a former four-star recruit. He is the son of former Georgia defender Marcus Washington.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back played in one game last season and recorded one tackle. Washington has the ability to start at the Power Five level. However, he is likely looking for more playing time at Louisville.

Georgia is expected to start Daylen Everette, Tykee Smith and Kamari Lassiter at cornerback this season. The Bulldogs lose a key depth piece with Washington’s transfer, but they have recruited the defensive back position at an elite level in recent seasons.

Washington announced his intentions to transfer to Louisville via Twitter:

Washington, Bear Alexander and Rian Davis have announced transfer destinations this spring.

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Georgia football DB enters NCAA transfer portal

Another one to the portal…

Georgia defensive back Marcus Washington Jr. has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Washington, a former four-star recruit out of Grovetown, Georgia, reclassified and enrolled at UGA one year early as part of the 2022 signing class.

Washington played in one game last season, meaning he was able to redshirt. He will have four years of eligibility remaining.

His father, Marcus Sr., was a linebacker at Georgia from 2005-09.

“After thoughtful prayer and discussion with my family, I have decided that my time as a Bulldog has come to an end,” Washington wrote on social media. “I have enjoyed my time spent with the Bulldog Nation, my teammates, my coaches, and the staff here at UGA! My lone season in Athens was a magical one that I will never forget, however it is time for me to explore other avenues for me to continue my academic and athletic career. With that being said I will be entering the transfer portal with 4 years of eligibility remaining!”

Washington joins defensive linemen Shone Washington and Bear Alexander, center Griffin Scroggs, inside linebacker Rian Davis, offensive linemen Weston Wallace and running back Sevaughn Clark as the seventh player to enter the transfer portal from Georgia this spring.

Offensive/Defensive Players of the Week from Nebraska’s loss to Michigan

Here are the Offensive/Defensive Players of the Week from Nebraska’s loss to Michigan

On Saturday, the Nebraska Cornhuskers lost to the Michigan Wolverines 3-34. It was their fourth consecutive loss.

Nebraska’s offense continued to struggle without quarterback Casey Thompson. Chubba Purdy started at quarterback. He threw for 56 yards and rushed for 39 yards before exiting late in the second quarter with an ankle injury. He returned to the sideline in a boot and on crutches. In Purdy’s absence, Logan Smothers, who was playing through injuries, took over at quarterback, but he recorded only 15 passing yards.

Nevertheless, there were some good individual performances for the Cornhuskers. Here are Nebraska’s Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week.

2022 Husker Breakdown: Receivers and tight ends aplenty, who will step up?

Nebraska lost a lot of receiving production from last year, but a number of wideouts and tight ends have a chance to break out in 2021

Welcome to the third position-by-position breakdown of Nebraska Cornhuskers football, where the wide receivers and tight ends complete our analysis of the skill positions. The Huskers are pretty stable, at least on paper, at the quarterback and running back positions, but relatively speaking, the receiving core has a little bit more to prove. 

Just two of Nebraska’s 16 wide receivers on their roster donned the red and white last year. Former wideout Samori Toure is fighting for a roster spot with the Green Bay Packers currently after leading the Huskers with 898 yards and five touchdowns last year. Tight end Austin Allen, who set Nebraska single-season yardage records for a tight end, is doing the same with the New York Giants. No. 2 and 3 wideouts from 2021 Zavier Betts and Levi Falck are gone too. 

Nevertheless, the Nebraska pass catchers aren’t all doom and gloom, thanks to three transfers who should see a heap of playing time. Travis Vokolek is a physical presence at tight end that will improve on his 2021 stat line of 11 catches and 127 yards by leaps and bounds as well. 

But perhaps the biggest presence in the Husker’s group of pass catchers is someone that won’t be on the playing field: new wide receivers coach and former Nebraska QB Mickey Joseph, who arrives in Lincoln after coaching the likes of Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson at LSU. 

Perhaps a reason why Nebraska’s wideouts haven’t been as heralded as the QB’s and RB’s is because Joseph hasn’t taken it easy on Nebraska’s receivers. 

“My thing is, I rule with an iron fist. They understand that. They accept that. I’m never going to cater to them. I’m never going to tell them what they want to hear. I’m always going to tell the truth. And I’m going to demand that they play with excellence. That’s how you win,” Joseph said.

However, there’s still a group of six wideouts that Joseph seems to think can make an impact, and the Huskers have a couple wild cards that could also break out too. 

Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple loves his tight ends as Pitt’s top TE duo combined for 768 yards and 10 touchdowns on 65 catches last year. Vokolek is a good bet to lead the bunch this year but if last season is any indicator, there’ll be room for other Huskers tight ends such as Thomas Fidone to shine. 

247Sports’ Nick Kosko predicts Nebraska to upset Iowa in the 2022 season finale

247Sports’ Nick Kosko likes the Nebraska Cornhuskers to upset the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2022 regular season finale.

Iowa has owned the series against Nebraska, winning the past seven contests against the Cornhuskers. It looked like the Hawkeyes’ dominance over Nebraska was set to come to a close last year in Lincoln, Neb., but a fourth-quarter Iowa rally was jumpstarted by Henry Marchese’s blocked punt that Kyler Fisher returned 14 yards for a touchdown.

That sliced Iowa’s deficit from 21-9 to 21-16. The Hawkeyes followed that special teams game-changer up by forcing Huskers backup quarterback Logan Smothers into an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone for a safety. Iowa’s Caleb Shudak added a 44-yard field goal on the ensuing possession and suddenly the game was tied.

Then, Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras capped off a six-play, 76-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown plunge to give the Hawkeyes its first lead with 2:58 remaining. Hawkeyes cornerback Jermari Harris sealed the victory, intercepting Smothers to end any final threat from the Huskers.

In the process, Iowa registered its fifth consecutive victory in Lincoln, captured the Big Ten West crown and notched a 10-win season. 247Sports’ Nick Kosko isn’t buying into any of the recent series history in his game-by-game predictions for Nebraska’s 2022 season, though.

Kosko likes Nebraska to upset Iowa, 24-21, to end the 2022 regular season.

Yes, we’re picking an upset here. Nebraska puts a stamp on its bowl game date, whenever and wherever it might be. The upset over the Hawkeyes on the road will be the defining game of the 2022 season for Scott Frost. There’s gotta be one in there somewhere, and why not the final regular season game of the upcoming fall? Let’s do it. A late field goal puts Nebraska up by 10 (24-14) and the defense holds on as Iowa fails a late comeback. With the 7-5 record, Frost ensures a 2023 campaign and has a chance to win an eighth game in the postseason. – Kosko, 247Sports.

Obviously, this would be a reversal of what fans have seen in recent years. There’s a good chance that it has serious division implications for the Hawkeyes, too. The West feels like it’s wide open, and Iowa just might be hosting Nebraska for a return trip to Indianapolis in the 2022 edition to determine the fate of the Heroes Trophy.

If that’s the circumstances going in for Iowa’s Senior Day game, then the Huskers will have earned a difficult to come by victory, and it would further signal that Nebraska has made progress as a football program in 2022.

While Iowa is an interesting team heading into next season given the disparity between the team’s offensive and defensive production in 2021, Nebraska might have been the most intriguing, hardest to figure out team in all of the Big Ten last season. The Huskers finished 3-9, which is by definition bad. Still, Nebraska lost eight one-score games, which could indicate that the Huskers are ripe for a quick turnaround.

Time will tell on that front. One thing is for certain: Scott Frost needs 2022 to show tangible results if he’s to remain the Huskers’ head football coach. Frost brought in offensive coordinator Mark Whipple from Pittsburgh to help try and rejuvenate Nebraska’s offense. Last season’s backup quarterback in Smothers returns for Nebraska, but longtime starter Adrian Martinez is off to Kansas State.

Nebraska went ahead and brought former Texas quarterback Casey Thompson in to be the likely starter, and the Huskers added Florida State transfer signal-caller Chubba Purdy as well. The wide receiving corps features a series of transfers as well with Trey Palmer arriving from LSU, Marcus Washington from Texas and Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda from New Mexico State.

Palmer had 30 grabs for 344 yards and three scores in 2021, Washington registered 18 receptions for 277 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and Garcia-Castaneda hauled in 37 passes for 578 yards and four scores. Add that in with Omar Manning’s returning 26 grabs for 380 yards and two touchdowns.

In the backfield, Nebraska will be looking for Rahmir Johnson, Gabe Ervin Jr. and Jaquez Yant to combine for the Huskers’ rushing attack. Last season, Johnson carried 112 times for 495 yards and four scores, Ervin Jr. rushed 37 times for 124 yards and two touchdowns and Yant tallied 47 totes for 294 yards and one trip to the end zone.

Defensively, Nebraska added two-time All-Big 12 second-team selection Ochaun Mathis at defensive end. Mathis has 135 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks over the course of his college career. He’ll team with Garrett Nelson, Ty Robinson and Alabama transfer Stephon Wynn Jr. At the second level, Nebraska linebackers Luke Reimer and Nick Henrich combined for 189 tackles last season.

The Huskers’ defensive backfield has its fair share of transfer additions as well, featuring Tommi Hill from Arizona State, DeShon Singleton from Hutchinson Community College and Omar Brown from Northern Iowa. That trio will join safety Myles Farmer and cornerback Quinton Newsome.

For a head coach in Frost that frankly is desperate for success heading into 2022, it makes sense to replenish the roster with a series of transfer portal additions and see if it works. While Iowa hopes to be fighting for the Big Ten West in the season finale, Frost just might be coaching for his job.

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Former Texas receiver joins Huskers

The Huskers continue to add depth this off-season!!

Another day and another addition to the Nebraska football team’s roster via the transfer portal. Former Texas wide receiver Marcus Washington has committed to the Cornhuskers for the 2022 season. Washington had 18 receptions, 277 yards, and two touchdowns in only five games for Steve Sarkisian last season. He is the second former Longhorn, along with quarterback Casey Thompson, to join the Cornhuskers this off-season.

Former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Marcus Washington (Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports)

The St. Louis, Missouri native, is the third wide receiver to join Nebraska via the portal. He’ll be joining former LSU receiver Trey Palmer and former New Mexico State wide-out Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda as the transfers joining the wide receiver’s room this season. This is the second time that Nebraska has actively recruited the wideout. Washington will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.