Rebel Spotlight: Definitely don’t forget about Trey Washington in a crowded Ole Miss secondary
Trey Washington wasn’t the highest-ranked defensive back signed by Ole Miss in its 2021 class, but few others impacted winning more.
Tysheem Johnson was the only other first-year player at the position to play in as many games (13) as Washington last season, and Washington finished with 23 total tackles, a pass break-up and a half of a tackle for loss.
He gained invaluable experience. Most importantly, he produced when thrust into duty, and yet Washington is almost a forgotten man.
He’s taking it all in stride.
“The depth is a really fun thing to see,” said Washington, who chose Ole Miss as a three-star prospect over Mississippi State and Louisville.
“You see from (the top of the depth chart on down) people are challenging each other to perform. It’s only going to make us better. Everybody’s having fun and enjoying each other.”
Washington would probably be receiving preseason hype as a potential breakout candidate in any other year.
This, of course, isn’t any other year.
Nothing is really normal about college football in 2022 — not with the advent of the NCAA Transfer Portal. Ole Miss signed one of the best classes in the nation.
Look no further than strong-side star, the safety spot where Washington is competing. It alone features Washington and returners Otis Reese and Johnson. Reese was a one-time decorated transfer from Georgia.
Washington and Johnson signed together.
“Consistency is really the main focus I’ve been having from year one to year two,” Washington said.
Put simply, competition is fierce.
Johnson was a four-star previously ranked as the No. 228 recruit in the country by the industry-generated On3 Consensus. The portal also delivered reinforcements in Ladarius Tennison (Auburn) and Isheem Young (Iowa State), and four-star signees Davison Igbinosun and Taylor Groves are in the mix, too.
The current iteration of the Rebel secondary is widely considered one of the deepest and most talented in school history, and it’s made it hard for Washington (or any other defensive back, for that matter) to stand out from the crowd.
“We’re learning from one another and growing as people and men,” he said.
The Rebels are nine practices into fall camp.
They’ll scrimmage on Saturday for the first time, and kickoff is set for 11:30 a.m. CT inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
It will be the lone Saturday in August open to both fans and media, and now-third-year head coach Lane Kiffin has already referred to it as one of the most consequential of camp.
“For me personally, I hope to show growth,” Washington said. “Being consistent with every rep I’m required to perform.
“Learning to take coaching from teammates, coaches and focusing on the next rep and performing there.”
Hear much more from Washington in the video below.
