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Iowa State University Athletics
Washington More Relaxed at Free Safety Position
08.11.2011 | Football
AMES, Iowa - Iowa State defensive back Jacques Washington's mother, Jacqeline, blended the first five letters of her name with a French twist to create Jacques (pronounced jah-quez). The redshirt sophomore hopes to blend his experience from different secondary positions into his new assignment: free safety.
Last season Washington saw action in nine games and finished with 12 tackles as a strong safety. Along with his experience playing in Iowa State's nickel defense, Washington has the wide array of skills necessary to be successful in his new spot.
"The good thing about Jacques is he understands how it all fits together," said secondary coach Bobby Elliott. "He sees the big picture. That helps him and he's kind of like the field general back there."
Being the team's "field general" shouldn't be a problem for the outgoing Owasso, Okla. native. Washington enjoys being vocal on the field and making the calls. As a free safety, Washington will be more involved with run defense, and decision-making in the 2011 season.
"Last year everything was moving so fast," Washington said. "Now I'm relaxed and feel like the game is slower because of my experience. When I'm out there I'm settled and focused on reading my keys."
As a whole, the Cyclones' safety positions will be deeper than previous years. At strong safety Ter'Ran Benton returns for his senior year, along with senior Earl Brooks and redshirt sophomore Jansen Watson. In addition to Washington, redshirt sophomore Deon Broomfield and redshirt junior Durrell Givens will mix in at free safety.
"We are building depth and I feel like we are more together as a unit since most of us have been here for three years or more," Washington said.
Coach Elliott says Washington has the smarts to play his position, but would like to see improvements on tackling. The 6-foot, 208-pound defensive back wants to "sharpen" his eyes watching extra film study.
"Before the season I want to improve my tackling for one, but also my footwork," Washington said. "And it doesn't hurt to sharpen your eyes with film study."
In 2010 Washington had a season-high five tackles against Iowa after red-shirting his initial collegiate season in 2009. Elliott says Washington will be important to Iowa State in the future and the pre-business major is enthusiastic about his new duties.
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