Washington enjoys first outing on defense

By: Lou Bezjak/Morning News | SCNow
Published: November 11, 2007

CONWAY — After every game, Coastal Carolina football players meet with their position coaches as a group. Santini Washington had a decision on which group to go with.

That’s because Washington, normally a starter at wide receiver, played on both sides of the ball Saturday against Gardner-Webb. With a thigh injury to Marrio Norman and an already depleted Coastal secondary, Washington was forced to play cornerback, a position he hadn’t played since he was a senior in high school, to help against the Bulldogs four and five receiver sets.

“I had fun out there,” said Washington, a senior who played his final home game at Brooks Stadium. “All the rest of the defensive backs taught me how to play and helped me out.”

Coastal defensive backs coach Mike Castellano said Washington, who didn’t find out until this week he would be playing defense, did a pretty good job and said the rest of the secondary played a role in his success.

Washington had four tackles, including one for a loss, and had an interception. On offense, he had one catch for 7 yards.

“He played hard and did everything we asked him to do,” Castellano said. “The other guys in the secondary worked with him all week and had no egos. They were willing to see anyone that was out there play well.”

His effort also was applauded by receiver Jerome Simpson, who nicknamed Washington “Lock Down.”

Washington’s night wasn’t without mistakes, though. On Gardner-Webb’s first possession, he was picked on several times by Bulldogs quarterback Stan Doolittle, who threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Dobson Collins right in front of Washington.

But Washington settled down after and seemed to get more comfortable as the Chanticleers gave up only more touchdown for the rest of the game.

“It was little fast paced at first but after that I caught on,” said Washington, who was given a game ball by the coaching staff.

Washington said playing both ways started to take a toll near the end of the game as he began to cramp up.

The senior said he would be willing to play defensive back again in the season finale against Charleston Southern but would gladly give it up if Norman can play.

“If Marrio’s back, I’m going back to receiver,” Washington said with a smile.

Washington enjoys first outing on defense

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