ATHENS, Ga. -- Cornelius Washington blew past future Georgia offensive linemen Trinton Sturdivant and Clint Boling during pass rush drills at Mark Richt's 2006 summer high school camp, exhibiting raw speed that was highly unusual for a player his age and size.
Although Washington had just completed his sophomore year at Burke County High School, defensive ends coach Jon Fabris was convinced by what he saw from the youngster. Washington soon received a scholarship offer from the school he grew up cheering for -- and he accepted.
"I saw [Fabris] when he kinda went over and whispered in Coach Richt's ear," said Washington, now a junior linebacker who finished second on the team with five sacks this season. "I didn't think anything of it then, but later on that day when they brought me in the office, I was like, 'Oh Lord, this is gonna be it.' "
That's often how it goes at summer camps. Players excel in drills against other elite prospects and earn scholarship offers from coaches who are excited by their potential.