WR Washington key in playoff bid

North Charleston wide receiver Corey Washington is sitting on top of the world.

The 6-4, 190-pound senior is one of the best wide receivers in the state. He has 37 catches for 631 yards and 13 touchdowns, good enough to earn him a spot on the South roster in the North-South All-Star game next month.

Washington missed all of last season because of his grades. He was academically ineligible and had to watch his teammates play a sport that could be his springboard to college.

He thought it was one of the worst things to ever happen in his young life. But it turned out to be a blessing.

"I learned a lesson: You don't play around in school," said Washington, who has helped North Charleston post an 11-1 record and reach tonight's third-round playoff matchup at Myrtle Beach (11-1). "I also learned football is not for everyone. It's not for people who don't take school seriously. Sitting out last year was hard. Sometimes I watched my team struggle and there was nothing I could do about it. It left me feeling hopeless."

North Charleston coach Jimmy Brown saw great potential in Washington two years ago. He said all Washington needed was time to grow up and gain confidence in himself. But the timeline was short-circuited last fall because of the academic issues.

"Last year was the best thing that ever happened to him," Brown said. "Sitting out made him think of what he's missing. Now he takes things seriously in the classroom and on the football field. That's the way you have to be if you are going to be successful in life."

Washington is one of the Cougars' best playmakers, and he doesn't limit his skills to being a wide receiver.

He takes turns playing quarterback with Denzel Myers. As the backup quarterback, he has completed 35 of 54 passes for 575 yards and seven touchdowns. Washington has also served as the Cougars' punter and plays defensive end.

"It's nice to know he can play three or four positions and still make the plays," Brown said. "He's a Division I talent: look at his size and watch him run. Once he gets in (college), gets settled and plays one position, he'll really blossom," Brown said.

Washington's goal is to help the Cougars win the Class AAA state championship. He'll return to Myrtle Beach on Dec. 12 to play in the North-South game. He can improve his stock even more with an impressive week of practices and game performance.

"It's an honor making an all-star team," Washington said. "It gives me a chance to play against the best athletes in the state."