Early Signing Day’s drama is what makes it compelling. 

San Diego State shared in the intrigue by adding Jerry Washington from Desert Edge High School in Arizona. The Aztecs offered the talented EDGE last night. He signed with SDSU this morning.

“We’ve been talking about (the offer) for a while,” Washington told EVT this afternoon. “I understood 100% if the spot was there for me, I was going to take it, and I was just waiting for my opportunity. An opportunity opened up, and I took it the first chance I got.” 

Washington never officially visited SDSU but attended the Spring Game last April. That trip made a lasting impression. Despite offers from the service academies and a host of FCS schools, SDSU was his preferred destination. 

He began his high school career at Independence High School in Glendale, Arizona. Despite recording 143 tackles, 20 sacks, and 47.5 tackles for loss during his sophomore and junior campaigns, he struggled to get the attention of college recruiters. Independence is a smaller 4A school. It finished 8-2 last season but was only ranked 112th in the state at the end of the year. 

“I’m not gonna lie, it started off hard because it was just so frustrating,” Washington replied when asked if his slow recruitment was challenging to go through. “I’m seeing so many players ahead of me that I just know if I get the opportunity to be in front of any coach, I would get chosen over. … I’ve always been looked over, and that’s always been my motivation not to be overlooked. I know … a lot of people have doubts about me, but I’m going to show everyone I’m legit.” 

Washington transferred to Desert Edge to raise his profile as a recruit. It worked almost immediately. Air Force, Army, and Navy were among the first programs to offer before summer. Many schools, including SDSU, waited to see if he could duplicate his success at Independence on a bigger stage. 

Washington would have to wait to prove himself because, as a transfer, he was forced to sit out Desert Edge’s first five games. In the eight contests he competed in this season, he has racked up 11.5 sacks, 18.5 TFLs, and 61 tackles. Washington won the regional defensive player of the year last season with Independence and has shown no issues with the step-up in competition. 

SDSU had been in contact with him all year, but after he posted the Hudl film of his first game against Millennium High, EDGE coach Rob Aurich picked up the frequency of the interactions. Washington said Aurich impressed him with his honesty. The Aztecs loved Washington as a player but did not have a spot for him in the EDGE room. 

The domino effect of Dominic Oliver and Ezekiel Larry’s transfers from SDSU was opening up a space for Washington. Aurich extended the offer only hours after Oliver and Larry went public with their decisions.

“(Aurich is) an amazing person,” Washington said. “He really cares and always seemed invested. Even at times, when a lot of schools looked over me – they didn’t think I was going to be a part of something big – he really is the one that took a chance on me. I’m really thankful.” 

Desert Edge plays against Cactus High School in the AIA 5A State Championships title game on December 6. The Scorpions entered the playoffs as the seven seed and upset the two seed to advance to the semifinals. They avenged their only loss when Washington suited up by defeating Verrado High 27-14.

Desert Edge, Verrado, and Cactus compete in the same region. They tied for first with 4-1 records. Regional supremacy will be decided on the field on Friday. 

On film, Washington possesses potential as a rush EDGE. He is explosive off the ball. Plays with a high motor and displays terrific awareness. Washington is 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, so adding weight will be necessary when he arrives on campus this summer. 

Competitive is the best word to describe him. He said he is excited to learn from the older players at SDSU and has enjoyed watching athletes like Trey White play, but he refused to compare himself to anyone. Washington wants to be himself and prove to the world that he belongs. 

Paul Garrison

My earliest sport’s memory involve tailgating at the Murph, running down the circular exit ramps, and seeing the Padres, Chargers and Aztecs play. As a second generation Aztec, I am passionate about all things SDSU. Other interests include raising my four children, being a great husband and teaching high school.