Washington Helping Lead State Safeties
September 17, 2024 | Football
Veteran experiencing success on the field and being a leader off of it.
STARKVILLE – Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
Mississippi State has begun a new era. Veteran players like Hunter Washington are responsible for leaving a trail.
In his third season wearing the Maroon and White, Washington has been a leader as the Bulldogs find their way under first-year head coach Jeff Lebby.
"I tell the young guys to keep moving forward and stacking days," he said. "Even though you go through adversity, [and even] as a winner, you go through losses. It will build you up to be successful and to be a winner."
The junior safety is a key component to a secondary that has caught some by surprise. So far this year, the Bulldog defensive backs rank among the country's top third in passing yards allowed.
Their hard work throughout the offseason is paying off with on-field results.
"It all starts with practice," Washington said. "We're out here getting better every day. Even though there is little stuff we need to work on, we're getting out there and fixing it. It's leading us to success."
Three safeties rank among the team's top five tacklers through the first three games of the 2024 campaign. Washington has racked up 14 tackles while Brylan Lanier boasts 15. Isaac Smith, meanwhile, leads the country in tackles with 43.
"I like that dude," Washington said of Smith. "He works his butt off. I like Isaac."
Smith has been such a bright spot for the Bulldogs through a challenging stretch. The sophomore is shining with his on-field play.
Off the field, the Bulldogs are being boosted by veteran leadership. Washington credits the experienced defensive lineman De'Monte Russell as one that's been stepping up and speaking out to help develop and grow the Dawgs.
"He's one of the old heads of the group, so I give props to him," Washington said of Russell. "Our job is to give our all to the veterans and those in their last year here."
Washington and the Mississippi State safeties look to continue their high level of play this Saturday against Florida. It is a battle of two teams who are hungry to notch a massive SEC win. Kickoff at Davis Wade Stadium is set for 11 a.m.
"We just need to trust the process," Washington emphasized. "Nothing too short or too long, just trust the process and trust each other."
