They don't call him "Diesel" for no reasonOhio State hosted a number of extremely talented players in the class of 2012 for the first of their "Junior Days" during yesterday's 82-61 win over Indiana at Value City Arena. Players from all over Ohio and some other nearby states came to check out Columbus and the OSU campus, while also getting to know each other and soak in some top notch basketball.
While some of the best players in the state were represented at the Schott yesterday afternoon, one player who wasn't but is certainly on the Buckeyes' radar (and may have the coolest name of any recruit) is Adolphus Washington. Washington is a 6-6/240 defensive end/linebacker hybrid from Taft High School in Cincinnati. He currently has offers from Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Texas, Texas A&M, Oregon, USC, and others, in addition to OSU, but it is widely known that the Bucks may be the team to beat for his services.
Washington is a tremendous athlete who also stars for the Taft hoops team and many think if he focused on basketball, that he could be a Division I prospect in that sport as well. Scouts cite his tremendous athleticism, speed, agility, and burst off the line of scrimmage as his strengths, all tools that could make him successful at either defensive end, linebacker, or the LEO position at Ohio State.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Adolphus to talk about his recruitment, as well as what position he thinks he'll play at the next level, what his thoughts are on playing with teammate and fellow highly touted recruit Dwayne Stanford, what his relationship is like with the OSU staff, and much more. Take a look at what Washington had to say after the jump.
Adolphus, what are your current offers so far and do you have a leader or top five at this point?
I have so many I can't remember them all, but some that have offered are OSU, Michigan, Michigan State, LSU, Alabama, and Florida State. I do not currently have a leader and am open.
Some have described you as a defensive end/linebacker hybrid. Where do you see yourself at the next level?
I don't have a preference and I will play both if the school I choose wants me to.
What is important to you when looking for your future school?
The things that are most important to me are getting a good education and playing time.
What is your relationship like with the OSU coaches? Who are you being recruited by and who are you closest to? What is your relationship with Jim Tressel?
I have a good relationship with the Ohio State coaches. I'm close with Coach Peterson and Coach Heacock who are recruiting me. I've talked to Coach Tressel a couple times now as well.
You are teammates and good friends with Dwayne Stanford. Are you two talking about going to the same school or is that not important?
We're definitely interested in that. We talk about it together every day.
What was it like when you received that offer from OSU, being that they're the home state school?
It definitely felt good. It was great to get an Ohio State offer.
Do you have a timetable for making your decision?
I'll probably announce my decision at the Under Armour All-American Game or on National Signing Day.
What are some of the things you do well on the football field? What do you need to work on for your senior season and the next level?
The things I think I do well are put my side of the field on lock and rush the quarterback. I can definitely work on using my hands more.
What do you like to do off the field when your not playing football?
Off the field I just like to hang out with friends and shoot hoops.
Finally, if you can send one message to Buckeye Nation, what would it be?
I guess I would just say hello to Buckeye Nation.
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