David Washington (right) blocks for former Cowboy running back Juilus Crosslin (left) in the 2007 Spring Game. Washington is returning from a broken right leg that caused him to miss most of last season.
Center David Washington has an important role as a leader for the offensive line.
In fact, the younger players on the offensive line have a nickname for him.
“They call me grandpa,” Washington said. “I’ve been here longer than everybody.”
Washington is 22, but as a fifth-year center, he’s one of the most experienced players on OSU’s roster.
“I was put in a situation to play early,” Washington said. “That just came naturally to lead those guys. I’m just trying to keep the younger guys going.”
Junior tackle Russell Okung was one of the players who matured under Washington’s leadership.
“When I was a freshman I depended on him so much,” Okung said. “I was wide-eyed, and he really settled things down for me.”
Co-offensive coordinator Trooper Taylor explains Washington’s leadership role.
“He cares about the rest of them and that’s what you want,” Taylor said. “You want the guy playing not just for himself, but to the guy next to him and the guy on the other side of him. It’s important to him.”
Washington’s leadership doesn’t stop at the offensive line.
“I’ve even heard him tell the receiver to tuck the ball: ‘Don’t let them get that ball,’” Taylor said. “That’s when you know he cares about the whole team and the productivity of the offense and not just about his own position.
“He cares about the group as a whole. I think that’s going to make a big difference for our team. We need more guys like that, we really do.”
Washington started 27 straight games until he broke his right leg against Troy in the third game of last season and missed the rest of the year.
Okung said there was a noticeable difference without Washington.
“We missed him,” Okung said. “I think this year we’re going to be better just because he’s out there because of his leadership and the things he brings to the game. He’s a really strong part of the line.”
Co-offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer has been impressed with Washington’s progress in the fall camp.
“He came in and took it like, ‘Hey, I’m going to get my job back, and we’re going to play the best five,’” Brewer said. “David showed up and was ready to go.
“So, we knew David was a guy who could be counted on to lead.”
Offensive line coach Joe Wickline talked about what Washington brings to the Cowboys in the upcoming season.
“I think the intangibles of having been around, and he’s a five-year guy,” Wickline said. “Any time you’re four years into a system, you’re going to be smarter about how you handle things and adjust to opponents. So, he means a lot to our system.
“It also means you have more flexibility in terms of personnel. Now you have one more credible guy in the rotation, and the next thing is you can never have enough centers. And the leadership he’s got and his experience.
“He’s a big strong kid and he wants to do well in his senior year.”
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