The Miami football program’s 2020 recruiting class received a big boost on Tuesday morning when five-star tight end Darnell Washington put the Hurricanes in his final five.
A commitment from five-star tight end Darnell Washington would be huge literally and figuratively for the 2020 recruiting class for the Miami football program. Miami was named one of five finalists to sign Washington. The big TE also named Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Penn State as one of the five schools in the derby to sign him.
Washington was exceptional during Paradise Camp in June. None of the elite safeties and cornerbacks that were in Coral Gables at the beginning of summer could cover the Las Vegas native. At 6’7.5, 261 pounds, Washington is a freakish athlete.
David Lake of Inside the U observed Washington at Paradise Camp. He said that Washington put on a show. According to Lake Washington was big and strong for any of the defensive backs to cover him. Lake was impressed with Washington’s ability to create separation with his strength and his huge catch radius.
Washington’s finalists changed on Tuesday morning. He originally had the Miami football program, Georgia and Tennessee as his three finalists in a tweet posted on Monday night. Washington apologized for the original tweet on Monday and posted his revised five-team list on Tuesday morning.
The possibilities for Miami at tight end are scary if Washington signs with the Hurricanes. Brevin Jordan was dominant Saturday night against a great Florida defense. Washington’s fellow Las Vegas native scorched the Gators for five receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. If not for a couple of drops, Jordan would have topped 100 yards receiving.
In the red zone with Jordan, Washington, sophomore Will Mallory and freshman Larry Hodges Miami offensive coordinator Dan Enos would have incredible possibilities to score. There was a lot of talk during the preseason about the combination of Jordan and Mallory and the damage they can do this year on the gridiron. That did not happen against Florida.
Mallory has yet to show his talents on the football field in a competitive game for Miami. He has five receptions for 37 yards last season and was shutout against Florida. Miami’s history of tight ends intrigues Washington. He told Inside the U he likes the Hurricanes history of using TEs.
"“I just like how Miami has always used their tight ends…They have a tradition at that position. Iron sharpens iron. They have great defensive players here, so if I want to be the best, I need to compete against the best.”"
Washington had to be happy with Jordan’s performance and how he was used against Florida. Jordan had three receptions for 43 yards on the opening drive. With Jarren Williams at QB, the TE will continue to be a huge part of the Miami offense. Williams will almost definitely be the QB through at least 2020 and potentially through 2022 for Miami.
The possibility of playing with Williams potentially through his entire college career has to intrigue Washington. Washington will almost definitely be a three and done player. Miami’s offense with the addition of Washington can become one of the best in the country.