Penn State flips Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back commit in 2023 class
Penn State picked up an important commitment Friday afternoon. The Nittany Lions added 2023 four-star defensive back Elliot Washington, who flipped his commitment from Alabama.
Washington plays for Venice in Florida and is the No. 6 safety in the country according to the 247Sports Composite player rankings. He racked up 58 tackles, two for loss and four interceptions as a junior, according to his MaxPreps profile.
The former Alabama commit chose the Nittany Lions over the Crimson Tide, Michigan State and Florida. He’s the No. 110 player in the country and the No. 25 player in Florida, while projecting as an NFL draft pick down the line according to 247Sports southeast recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins’ scouting report.
“A versatile defensive back with an elite burst that has been getting varsity snaps since he was in eighth grade,” Ivins’ report on Washington’s 247Sports profile page reads. “Owns a muscular build and is already hovering around 195 pounds. Still room, however, to add some more mass and could eventually tack on 15 pounds or more to his stocky frame, if desired. Has spent much of prep career working on the outside, but figures to settle in as a slot corner or box safety at the next level given physical nature and lack of length. Looks to be one of the best in the Sunshine State for the 2023 cycle when it comes to changing directions as he can twist and turn and get where he needs to be on most occasions.
“Competitive at the catch point more times than not as he will stick his hip right on a wide receiver and then fight through hands. Likes to play the role of enforcer on Friday nights and has displayed impressive power as a tackler near the line of scrimmage or in the open field. Excels in chase mode, which isn’t surprising giving verified speed markers (10.69 in the 100-meter dash at state track meet as a junior). Doesn’t have a ton of experience working in press-man situations, but understands to some degree how to shed blocks and make a stop, which is always encouraging.
“Has found success as a punt returner in the past and figures to emerge as a valuable pawn on special teams at the college of his choice given how quickly he can get down the field. Picked off four passes as a junior, helping Venice win a state title in Florida’s highest classification. That’s after a junior campaign in which he was responsible for four more takeaways. Might not be a true CB1 type, but has the skillset and tools to blossom into an impact player in the secondary for a College Football Playoff contender.”
Washington’s commitment keeps Penn State at No. 5 in the 247Sports Composite team rankings and behind only Ohio State in the Big Ten.
