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Former Marine Recovers Fumble In College Football Debut (Video)

By Phil Watson

Oct 18, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; The South Carolina Gamecocks enter the field before their game against the Furman Paladins at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; The South Carolina Gamecocks enter the field before their game against the Furman Paladins at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Marine Michael Washington bided his time for 2½ years after walking on at South Carolina. He made a big play in his long-awaited debut.

Semper Fi!

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Michael Washington waited a long, long time to make his collegiate debut for the

South Carolina Gamecocks

.

After all, he graduated from high school in 2005.

Washington spent four years in the Marine Corps after high school, turning down scholarship offers from North Carolina State, Clemson and USC as a defensive back to join the military.

After separating from active duty, Washington walked on at South Carolina State in 2011, but did not play. A year later, he walked on at South Carolina and has spent the last two-plus seasons on the scout team.

But with the Gamecocks hosting FCS opponent Furman on Saturday, coach Steve Spurrier dressed Washington for the game and the old man (27 years old) responded with a big play.

His coaches were excited about Washington getting an opportunity.

"“I don’t know if he is ready, but he has practiced well,” South Carolina defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward told the Greenville News. “We’re going to dress him and hopefully get him out there.”"

Offensive line coach Shawn Elliott said he was rooting for Washington.

"“He is an old soul,” Elliott said. “He has been through a lot. I’m rooting for individuals like him. He doesn’t have to be out here doing this. It’s the furthest thing he has to be doing.“He could be getting his degree, carrying on with his life. Being in the military and coming out here to play football, putting in the time and effort. He has had some ups and downs. He certainly has. But the fight is in him. That’s what you want.”"

According to his bio on the South Carolina football website, Washington is majoring in criminal justice.

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