Miami football OL Commit compared to former NFL top draft pick

Chris Washington, a commit to the Miami football recruiting Class for 2020 was compared to Eric Fisher who was the top pick in 2013 NFL Draft.

The comparison of Chris Washington to Eric Fisher was made offensive line Butch Barry who is new to the Miami football program in 2019. Barry was the offensive line coach at Central Michigan under new Miami offensive coordinator Dan Enos. Fisher was the first selection in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Washington is a 6’7, 269-pound three-star commit to the Miami 2020 recruiting class. He one of two tackles that have committed to the Miami football program for 2020. Four-star Jalen Rivers has a chance to come in as a true freshman and make an impact on the Miami offensive line. Washington is more of a project.

Washington is the second lowest commit to Miami for 2020. Three-star safety Justin Hodges is the only 2020 Miami commit ranked lower than Washington. Barry and Enos have made recruiting the offensive line a priority. Under former head coach Mark Richt the Miami offensive line was inconsistent over the last three seasons.

Fisher was recruited to Central Michigan as a two-star tackle in the Class of 2009. Coming out of high school Fisher was 6’7, but only 260 pounds. He rose from the two-star recruiting ranking to a two-time All-MAC performer and a consensus All-American as a senior in 2012.

Fisher helped lead Central Michigan to bowl wins as a sophomore in 2010 and senior in 2012 under Enos. The early part of Fisher’s career was rocky. He ranked as one of the worst tackles in the NFL as a rookie. Fisher finally made the pro bowl after his sixth season in 2018.

Washington spoke to Tom Kreager of the Tennessean about the comparison that Barry made between him and Fisher.

"“They like my length and how I can put on weight. Coach Barry talks about Eric Fisher and they compare me to him. He said he was going to offer me. But I wasn’t really listening, I guess. He reaffirmed it when I posted it on Twitter.I didn’t really know much about Miami except for Michael Irvin, who played for the Dallas Cowboys. I’ve read up on stuff since that.”"

Washington told Kreager that he plans to sign during the early signing period in December. The Miami commit also stated he might try to graduate from high school early and enroll at Miami in January. Washington’s high school coach spoke to Kreager about what kind of player the Hurricanes are getting.

"“(Miami is) getting a great kid. Everybody looks up to him — literally and figuratively. He probably close to 275 to 280 now. I could see him redshirting and being 315 and playing that second year.He has got great footwork. Side to side he’s got good explosiveness. And he works his tail off. They are going to get a guy that’s not only talented, but has the heart for it.”"

The comparison to Fisher puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on a mid-level talent at OT. That is somewhat the point. Fisher was a low-level recruit at a group of five school. Barry has been praised during his six months on the staff of the Miami football program. His NFL experience is perfect to mentor the young linemen.