Elite 2020 S Bryson Washington loves everything about Texas

Last cycle the Texas Longhorns loaded up on defensive backs, adding six All-Americans defensive backs; each of which hailed from the Lone Star State. The 2019 cycle hasn’t netted the same in-state success, leading the Longhorns staff to look outside of the state’s borders to add some coveted defensive back prospects in the form of four-star Loganville (Ga.) Grayson cornerback Kenyatta Watson and four-star Lakewood (Calif.) Mayfair safety Chris Adimora.

Though months still remain before the 2019 class puts pen to paper, attention on the 2020 class is alive and well, and Texas’ 2020 defensive back recruiting efforts are on pace to return predominantly to the Lone Star State. For example, the Longhorns have offered three of the consensus top 10 safeties in the nation in the form of No. 3 Duncanville standout Chris Thompson, No. 6 Hebron product Darius Snow, and No. 7 C.E. King star Bryson Washington.

Burnt Orange Nation was on hand when the later was in action last week, and Washington exemplified flashes of why he’s regarded as one of the best overall prospects in his class. What Washington could potentially be at the next level is what’s so appealing about him. His extremely long frame and ability to attentively read the field and react to the ball-carrier emphatically has made him a highly respected player throughout the country.

There have been a number of high major programs that have called for Washington’s services. Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and UCLA are just a few schools that have offered Washington. He’s flattered with the way he’s been perceived by coaches on the recruiting trail.

“I think that the recruiting process is going pretty well,” Washington expressed to BON. “I’m talking to a lot of coaches and still working on my visits this season. I think everything is going pretty smooth so far.”

While Washington has not released any of his top schools at the moment, there are several programs that have impressed him greatly. The Longhorns happen to be one of those schools, though Washington is far from cutting his list of offers short or making a decision.

“I have a couple schools that are standing out to me. LSU, Texas A&M, Texas, UCLA, Clemson, Georgia... a lot of schools. It’s going to be a hard decision, but I’m waiting for the time when I can take my official’s so I can really get an understanding of what school I actually like.”

Texas is a program Washington was eager to receive an offer from earlier in the process. That offer was presented to Washington mid-May and he’s been infatuated with UT ever since.

“UT is a great program, I love UT,” Washington said. “I love the coaches. I love everything about UT, it’s a great school.”

Special teams coordinator and safeties coach Craig Naivar has established a consistent relationship with Washington. Washington thinks very highly of Naivar and is moved by the conversations they’ve had.

“I’ve been talking to [Naivar], and we’ve been talking a lot,” Washington said. “He’s a great dude and a good coach. He always talks to me and we may talk on the phone sometimes. We talk about things that are going on at UT’s campus and what’s going on over here.”

Most defensive prospects from the upcoming recruiting cycles have been inspired by what they’ve seen from Texas’ defense this season. Washington is another one of those recruits. He also loves what he’s witnessing from the two true freshmen at safety, BJ Foster and Caden Sterns.

Washington also believes that Texas has the potential to finish this season on a high note.

“Texas definitely has a stronger defense this year, I love their DB’s,” Washington said. “With BJ and Caden back there, that’s a very cold lineup. I think Texas is going to do some pretty great things. They beat OU, and that was a big game. I know they can potentially go all the way after that.”

The four-star standout made a visit to the Forty Acres for the Longhorns victory against USC and was happy to see them come away with the win. Texas currently holds three of the four 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions at the moment. Washington is scheduled to announce his commitment on July 4, 2019.

At 6’2 and 196 pounds, Washington is ranked as the No. 140 player in the country and No. 19 overall prospect in the state, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.