Keeping it "real' has made Washington FSU's most influential and trusted host.
By BRIAN LANDMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published January 29, 2005
Leon Washington doesn't have a set plan for how to entertain prospects. He's open to suggestions.
"It's whatever they like to do," the running back said. "I want to show them a good time."
For some, that means a stop at a popular club, such as The Moon. Others want to spend more time hanging out with the guys and playing video games.
Washington, however, is cognizant of what he can't do. At FSU, a prospective host must first attend a meeting with the compliance office to review the NCAA rules, the ACC guidelines and the school's recently crafted recruiting policy.
FSU compliance coordinator Brian Battle offers Washington and the other hosts simple advice: Be smart.
"When I have a recruit, I have him with me," Washington said. "I don't let him step away from me or go out on his own. I don't ever let him do that."
If that doesn't sound like fun for him or his guest, you'd be wrong. This month, Washington entertained Jacksonville Wolfson receiver Rod Owens, who said he had a good time on the town. But more important to him - and his decision to sign with FSU - was the time he spent just talking to his host.
"We had a regular conversation like he was my brother, a (close) friend," said Owens, who knew of Washington, a fellow Jacksonville native, but hadn't met him before his Jan. 7 visit. "He told me how it was going to be at school. How you've got to make sure you've got your priorities straight and make sure you have your grades, and if you want to play, you've got to work hard and do your job. He was real. That's the word. Real."
Washington has been trusted with some of the Seminoles' most coveted high school stars. He hosted quarterback Xavier Lee, Florida's Mr. Football in 2003, who signed with FSU. He has Pahokee running back Antone Smith this weekend.
"A lot of guys I've had, they've ended up committing," Washington said. "I think I'm undefeated right now."
