Tweet me!Butch Jones and his staff landed a very impressive athlete when Shaq Washington from Maple Heights High School (OH.) announced at today's press conference his intention to become a Bearcat. He cannot sign an official letter-of-intent until February 2nd.
Washington was chosen as the Cleveland Plain Dealer's 2009 Offensive Player of the Year after helping Maple Heights reach the Ohio Division II state championship game. Although the 5' 9"/165 pounder plays quarterback for the Mustangs, he will play slot receiver for the Bearcats.
The senior-to-be had seventeen scholarship offers but ultimately chose UC over Colorado, Duke and UCLA. He also had offers from Boston College, Illinois, and North Carolina State.
The multi-talented Washington had a busy spring and summer attending a number of combines and camps and distinguished himself quite well winning several wide receiver MVP awards including one at the prestigious Nike Combine held at Ohio State University in early May. Washington will also play in the Gridiron King's Challenge all-star game in Orlando, Florida on July 25. The 7-on-7 tournament features 64 of the best high school players in the country including his future quarterback at Cincinnati, Patrick Coyne from Hamilton Badin.
Coyne got his first look at Washington when both attended the Nike Combine in Columbus, and the two stars have become good friends.
"We've been either talking or texting at least once a week. "I always give him an earful about why he should go to UC. I think we'll be rooming together at the all-star game so now it won't be awkward since he committed to UC," laughed Coyne.
Insiders take on what Washington's commitment means for the rest of the 2011 class.
The Badin signal caller believes Washington might be a smaller version of Mardy Gilyard.
A player that UC would love to add to their 2011 recruiting class (Antonio Poole) is also very familiar with Washington's skills since Winton Woods beat Maple Heights in last year's Ohio Division II state championship game.
"I remember him well. He was quick, fast and had some moves, but I hit him a few times," chuckled Poole.
Shaq Washington becomes the seventh player to verbally commit to the Bearcats for 2011 and joins Alex Chisum as the second receiver in the group.
2011 Football Recruiting Class (verbal commitments)
Alex Chisum WR, Patrick Coyne QB, Brandon Mitchell DT, Daniel Murray OL, Justin Murray, Nick Temple LB, Shaquille Washington WR
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