Name: Nick Washington
Height: 6-0
Weight: 191
Position: DB
Why did he redshirt?
Washington played on special teams in the first two games of 2013 before a season-ending shoulder injury. The injury not only cost Washington his season but also his aspirations of being a two-sport star at Florida. Washington did not go out for the baseball team this spring. Instead, he is focused on getting back to full health and football.
Depth at the position?
This depends. If Washington stays at cornerback Florida has a wealth of talent, albeit young and untested.
However, Washington has the frame and ability to move back to safety if the Gators feel like he could help their numbers up top.
Given his skillset and numbers on the roster a move to safety would help Washington get on the field quickly. He is a very smart person and football players, plus has the acumen that Will Muschamp demands and requires of his safeties.
Player Evaluation
Washington has the ability to play all over the secondary but he may be best suited for safety. He doesn’t have great hips and that shows when he’s in press coverage and he has trouble knocking the receiver off of his route at the line of scrimmage.
He is a sound tackler and a very smart football player. He’s good in zone coverage and those are all skills that would make him a very good safety at Florida.
2014 Prognosis
It’s unclear if a position change is in his future but Washington is a versatile player who will certainly make an impact on special teams at the very least. He has the potential to jump into the rotation at cornerback or even compete for a starting job at safety.
Washington is a good player and if he can stay healthy will be one who Gator fans are re-introduced to in 2014.