'Erase the pain'

Washington has one last chance at winning a state championship

Mic Smith
The Post and Courier

Timberland’s Quinton Washington, an offensive lineman, has led the Wolves to 40 wins during his high school career.

Dreams and decisions.

That's what Quinton Washington's life is all about as he prepares for the 2008 season.

Washington is a 6-4, 320-pound offensive tackle for the Timberland Wolves, and he is one of the best linemen in the nation. He's also a reason why Timberland is talked about as being a contender for the Class AA state championship.

A state title is about the only thing that has eluded his grasp in his illustrious career. Washington has been a starter since the first game of his freshman season and has led the Wolves to 40 victories. He's been named all-region, All-Lowcountry, All-state and all-American status. But the senior has never been a state champ.

That's his dream.

Two years ago, Timberland appeared to be on the verge of the title, but Blythewood won one of the most dramatic state title games in history when Aaron Mayes kicked a 23-yard field goal as time expired to give the Bengals a 23-21 win.

"That was real hard on us a team," Washington said. "That's still hurts. That's my dream, to erase the pain and win the state (title)."

The decision concerns college. More than 30 schools have shown big-time interest, including just about every school in the ACC and SEC. He's narrowed his list to five schools: South Carolina, Clemson, Alabama, Miami and Tennessee. He won't make a decision until he makes all his official visits after the season is over.

"I've talked to him about it," coach Art Craig said. "I talked about the different scenarios. Ninety percent of freshman linemen are redshirted. I asked him, 'Do you want to go to a team like Clemson, get in there, redshirt, get stronger and learn the program? Or, do you want to get thrown to the wolves?' "

Washington will not rush his decision.

"I will wait until it feels right," he said. "At times, I'm overwhelmed. I never thought there would be so many football coaches observing me so closely."

Big linemen come a dime a dozen. What separates Washington is his footwork and speed.

"Big kids tend to lean you," Craig said. "What makes 'Q' so good is his feet. He can move really well for a guy his size. A lot of teams try to line up a quick guy to beat him off the ball. But they can't get past him.

"He's very reliable, very durable," Craig said. "He started his very first game. I thought he might have some rough periods that year, but he never did. At the end of his sophomore year, South Carolina offered. I knew he would be good, but not nationally good. ESPNU released its top 150 prospects, and he's listed at No. 79."

But Washington won't be happy until Timberland is No. 1.

	E-mail story
	Printer-friendly version
	Comments
	iPod friendly
	Text alerts to your cell phone
	Get daily news e-mailed to you
	Subscribe to the Post and Courier