Former Illinois running back Quincy Washington has transferred to Illinois State and will join the Redbird football team.
The Champaign Centennial High School product will participate in spring drills with the Redbirds and will be eligible for the 2001 season. The 6-0, 205-pounder has two years of eligibility remaining.
Washington redshirted in 1998 and saw game action as a special teams performer while at Illinois. He did not have any rushing attempts after moving from defensive back to tailback halfway through the 1999 season.
An outstanding track and field athlete in high school, Washington has been clocked at 10.3 in the 100-yard dash.
Quincy is very fast, a speed back who should be pretty good running zone or toss plays, said ISU head coach Denver Johnson. He should also be good in a receivers role.
"He was searching for a place that might offer more playing time and we're happy that he chose Illinois State.
Washington led Centennial to a 9-0 regular season record as a senior and recorded the ninth-best rushing game in IHSA history with 340 yards against Danville.
For his career, Washington rushed for 2,723 yards and 37 touchdowns.
Quincy is a tall, muscular young man who gives you that traditional, prototypical-looking I-back, Johnson said. Were very excited to have him in the program.
We had gotten a little thin in our numbers at running back and it is a position we need to address. Quincy certainly helps us take a big step forward.
Washington is the third Illinois football player to transfer to Illinois State. Wide receiver Marquis Mosely came over in 1997 and offensive lineman Tim Thornton made the move in 1998.
