Flipping Awesome! ArDarius Washington Is Officially a Frog

Another playmaker in the defensive backfield has officially signed to play for Gary Patterson’s defense today, as three star safety - and longtime LSU Tiger commit - ArDarius Washington made things official today.

Just hours after news broke that he would be turning down Ed Orgeron and the Tigers, Washington signed on the dotted line at a ceremony at his high school, Evangel Christian in Shreveport, LA. ArDarius, who counts TCU early-enrollee QB Justin Rogers among his good friends - verballed to LSU a year ago, but kept his options open when he chose not to ink during the early signing period in December. That gave GP and co time to get him on campus, and after taking an official visit to Fort Worth in January, it was clear the Horned Frogs had reason for hope.

Washington isn’t a big guy - just 5’8” and 175 pounds - but boy is he electric. With the ball in his hands, he reminds people of another Louisiana dynamo that calls Fort Worth home - junior WR KaVontae Turpin. He closes exceptionally well, hits like someone much bigger, and if he manages to get the ball in his hands, he’s a home run threat. Washington could see time in the slot and return game for GP and the Frogs.

A great nugget about Washington from his high school days, is that he is one of the few players to have picked off current TCU freshman Justin Rogers in a high school game. Against Rogers’ Parkway team in 2016, Washington cut in front of receiver Terrace Marshall in the end zone, pulling off the interception in one on one coverage.

According to former Shreveport Times reporter Luke Thompson, who covered ArDarius through his junior season, “he can cover just about anyone. ArDarius stood out as a leader of the secondary on a state championship defense loaded Division I talent, thanks to terrific athleticism and a nose for the football. If needed, he could have also been the team’s top receiver.”

ArDarius is a great fit in the 4-2-5 and is sure to become a fan favorite. He is the third safety and fifth player out of Louisiana to sign with TCU, joining the highest rated class the Frogs have signed since GP took over.