Miami football preview: safety Keshawn Washington helps special teams

Freshman safety Keshawn Washington should make an impact for the Miami football team in 2020 on special teams.

The extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA to fall, 2020 athletes, helps this season’s freshman class more than any other group. Freshman safety Keshawn Washington will be a good addition to the Miami football team without having to worry about taking a redshirt this fall.

Washington will likely help out the Hurricanes on special teams in 2020. Earlier this summer, Miami co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Ephraim Banda praised Washington as a “good physical, tackling big person” and for being fearless. At 6’2, 190 pounds, Washington provides length in the Miami secondary.

Banda compared Washington to senior safety Amari Carter and his contributions as a freshman. Carter had 26 tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble on the 2017 Coastal Division Champions. Carter is expected to share time at safety in 2020 with redshirt junior Bubba Bolden and junior Gurvan Hall.

Washington is an asset for Miami on the special teams coverage units. Banda likes Washington’s upside at safety. Miami has a deep group as safety for the future. Washington was one of four safeties that signed with Miami in 2020. Four-stars Avantae Williams and Jalen Harrell and three-star Brian Balom are also on Miami.

Miami has commits from the top safety in 2021, five-star James Williams who is more likely to play striker or linebacker in college and four-star Kamren Kinchens. Carter has the option of returning in 2021 with the extra season of eligibility. Hall and Bolden have the choice of entering the 2021 NFL Draft or returning to Miami.

The future for the Miami secondary is bright and Washington should be a key part of it. Washington should challenge for a starting role in 2021 or 2022. As part of the Miami secondary at the least, Washington adds quality depth for Miami over the next four to five seasons.