Terrance Washington: A Quiet Leader

Sept. 29, 2005

 

Countless people throughout history have claimed to know leadership when they see it. Thousands of speakers and authors have tried to pen or articulate the perfect definition. Each definition intending to show the masses what leadership really looks like if and when it's encountered. But the reality is this. The best, but often silent, definitions of leadership can be found all around us if we simply pause long enough to observe them and learn from them.

 

Utah State junior safety Terrance Washington is the epitome of a silent leader. When the chatter at practice seems deafening, one can be assured that Washington will be quietly going about his business, trying to be "better than before."

 

"Terrance isn't a big rah-rah guy," said safeties coach, Jeff Copp. "He is a quiet leader. He just shows up and goes to work. He may only say two words, but those few words are worth a thousand words to the other players on our team."

 

It's no wonder then that the myth about exactly who Terrance Washington is continues to elude many. Washington claims his philosophy is quite simple.

 

"People don't know a lot about me because I'm not that outspoken, I'm kind of quiet," he said. "People don't know a whole lot about me except that I play football and go to school. I just try to live by the word of God and just do what God tells me to do."

 

What it all boils down to with Washington is this. Many might think that one who leads from the shadows is weak, but Washington's actions speak volumes to his capabilities.

 

After a decorated freshman season that saw him named second-team Freshman All-America by the College Football News and second-team all-Sun Belt Conference, Washington encountered some unforeseen hardships in his sophomore year.

 

Washington started the 2004 season right where he left off as a freshman, recording 13 tackles against Alabama, which was one shy of his career best of 14 against New Mexico State in 2003. Things then turned for the worse in USU's second game of the year as Washington suffered a season-ending knee injury.

 

"It was hard to sit on the sidelines last year," Washington said. "I always felt like I could have helped my teammates in certain situations, but couldn't do anything about it. When you spend so much time with a group of guys you begin to rely on one another and I just missed competing with my teammates week-in and week-out."

 

While many players might sulk and become bitter when dealt such a hand, Washington stayed grounded, choosing rather to focus on the positive.

 

"I just tried to keep my faith in God, knowing that He would help me through it," Washington said. "There are people out there with greater problems than mine. People can't walk; people can't talk. I just realized how minor this setback was and focused on the things I have been blessed with."

 

Washington didn't show any signs of rust in USU's season-opener against Utah on Sept. 10. He and Matt Wiser each recorded a team-high 11 tackles.

 

"I was a little nervous at first," Washington said of his first game back. "But once I got into the flow of the game everything became much easier."

 

Washington's football career has come a long way from its beginnings in a fourth grade flag football league. But he says that is where it all began and many fond memories can be traced back to those early days.

 

"My first memories of football are playing flag football," Washington said. "I didn't really like it because I couldn't hit anyone. It was just like you were out there playing capture the flag."

 

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Washington will get his fair share of hits in this season. With a new coaching staff, defense and conference this year, Washington is excited about the possibilities.

 

"As a defense we have goals to hold teams under 14 points and stopping the run is also something we want to focus on," Washington said. "Our biggest goal is making it to a bowl game and living up to our motto - 'BTB, BETTER THAN BEFORE.'

 

"The new coaching staff has everyone excited and ready to make the move into the WAC. They expect a lot out of us and bring a lot of intensity to everything they do."

 

Though graduation is a few years off for Washington. He plans on using his finance degree to get into the insurance business. With the hits Washington has been known to deliver, opposing players better check their insurance policies before going to battle with the Aggie safety.

 

By Todd Johnson, Utah State Athletic Media Relations