Penn State defender turning heads with ‘dominant’ offseason

Penn State football kicks off spring practice on Tuesday. As the Nittany Lions prepare to don the pads once again, junior cornerback Elliot Washington II enters the spring riding a wave of momentum from a strong winter.

Over the last month, Washington has won the cornerback room’s “competitor of the day” in all six winter workout sessions. Defensive backs coach Terry Smith made note of Washington’s effort after his most recent performance.

“Competitor of the day. Elliot Washington 6Xs. He has become dominant this offseason,” Smith wrote on X.

Competitor of the day. .@E_WashingtonII Elliot Washington 6X’s. He has become Dominant this off season! #LockDownU @PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/XyLOuT0yzT

— Terry M. Smith (@CoachTerryPSU) March 20, 2025

Washington started one game and appeared in 14 for Penn State football last fall. He finished the year with 26 tackles, six pass breakups, and one interception.

“He’s always been a high horsepower guy for us, but I think he’s also a guy who understands the role that he needs to be in for us this year, and I’ve seen a difference in him,” Penn State football strength coach Chuck Losey said of Washington earlier this month.

With Jalen Kimber off to the NFL, Washington will look for an even larger role within the Nittany Lions defense in 2025. The secondary returns AJ Harris as well as Zion Tracy, who was also playing a starter’s share of the snaps by the end of last season.

Penn State football begins a new era on the defensive side of the line of scrimmage this spring, bringing on Jim Knowles to lead the unit. Last season with Ohio State, Knowles’s defense ranked third nationally, allowing just 167 passing yards per game.

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