Derrick Washington didn't end his 2009 season on a positive note. After a solid 2008 campaign, he limped away from 2009 with a knee injury and a not-very-impressive stat-line.
Now?
He's "quicker, faster and better than ever," writes the Columbia Missourian.
Last season, Washington played with a knee injury that hindered his ability to quickly manufacture speed from the backfield, as the Missouri offense requires. Now fully healthy and in the best shape of his football-playing career, Washington is running past the big linemen easily and getting into the open field, allowing him to go one-on-one against the smaller defensive backs. And Washington has a great winning percentage in his matchups against defensive backs.
That was evident on a 42-yard run and a 47-yard reception, both of which went for touchdowns in Mizzou's scrimmage last weekend.
By many accounts, he seems to be having one of the best camps of his career. Then again, there's a difference between starring in camp and starring in a game.