Penn State adds four-star CB Elliot Washington in Class of 2023
Penn State picked up another massive commitment in its Class of 2023 Friday with the addition of cornerback Elliot Washington. The Venice, Fla., prospect was originally committed to Alabama before switching his commitment to the Nittany Lions Friday afternoon.
Washington emerged as a serious option just over a month ago when he took an official visit to Penn State, June 10-12. Michigan State was also considered a serious contender, as Mel Tucker and his staff got him on campus for an official visit June 24-26.
“Campus tour was a highlight,” Washington said following his visit. “The layout and views with the mountains were awesome. Another highlight was walking out on the field from the tunnel with Coach [James] Franklin. It was a goose bump moment for sure, [being] inside Beaver Stadium, music bumping. It was cool. Another highlight was speaking with players and learning more from the experience at PSU.”
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Washington went on to add, “What stood out is how down-to-earth Coach Franklin and his staff were with everyone,” Washington said. “They seem real and upfront about what their expectations are as a student-athlete. They want to win championships and continue to be an elite program. Coach Terry Smith, the DB coach, was good at explaining how I will fit in their defense as a corner if I choose PSU. Coach Manny Diaz [went] over his success as a defensive coordinator, too. Seeing the film and numbers, it will be an aggressive style they play at PSU.”
One of the nation’s top overall prospects, Washington ranks very highly by both On3 and in the On3 Consensus rankings. Our scouts rank him No. 66 overall and seventh overall at the cornerback position. The On3 Consensus has him just outside the top 100 at No. 102 nationally and No. 10 at the cornerback position.
Listed at 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, Washington is now the fourth-ranked prospect in Penn State’s Class of 2023. OL Alex Birchmeier (No. 31), OL Jven Williams (No. 65) and DL Tomarrion Parker (No. 99) are the only three who rank ahead of him.
Penn State now has 11 four-star prospects committed in its Class of 2023 and 16 committed players total. The addition of Washington moves them up to No. 7 overall in the On3 Consensus Team Rankings, surpassing USC.
On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power’s scouting report on Elliot Washington
“Corner prospect that has the physical traits and overall athleticism to close off a side of the field. Helped his team to a state championship as a junior.. Excellent straight-line/recovery speed. Has some slight hip stiffness and can get stuck in his break. Ran a 10.79-second mark in the 100 meters as a junior. Has a muscular, developed build. Flashes this long speed as a returner on kickoffs and punts. Recovery speed can help bail him out of trouble when his lack of technique is exploited. Has all the physical traits of a high-level corner at the next level that can hopefully develop the nuances of the position with more reps and collegiate coaching. Has the positional versatility to play on the boundary or cover in the slot.“
