Terrell Washington makes plays for STL’s indoor football team
By Leon Devance
For the St. Louis American
To River City Rage defensive end/ linebacker Terrell Washington, the objective of football is the same whether played in the NFL or National Indoor Football League: making plays.
“The difference between this league and the NFL is 11 men on the field in the NFL and this league has only 8 men on the field. The NFL has bigger fields and more open space to contend with, and the players are bigger and stronger. In this league, the field is smaller, the action is a little faster, and you use the walls as an extra defender,” said Washington.
“However, the strategy is the same: stop the other team from scoring.”
As a defensive end, Washington’s responsibilities include to contain the outside and make sure the pull and trap plays are funneled back to the linebackers.
Washington’s primary responsibility as a linebacker in the run defense is to operate in space, read the run, and meet the ball carrier at the point of attack. In the Rage pass defense, Washington is responsible, as a linebacker, for covering the opposition’s No. 2 receiver, making crisp drops to make a play as the ball arrives to the receiver.
Washington hopes his work habits with the Rage will lead to another chance in the NFL.
“I am trying to become a more consistent player, making some plays and being physical with the skills guys. In this league, the skills guys stand out over the linebackers. I want to open some doors for my myself and my teammates,” Washington said.
“At this moment, I am not on the NFL radar screen, but scouts from the 49ers and Rams have been here to scout players. I am working out two hours a day in the gym, lifting weights, getting stronger and faster. I run spirits to increase my speed.”
His preparation, for this league and the big one, is also mental.
“Before the games, I focus mentally on what I need to do to get ready to play,” he said. “If I take care of business on the field, the rest will take care of itself.”
So far, Washington has taken care of business on the field for the Rage, as he has led the team to a 7-1 record in the Atlantic East Division. This season, Washington has registered 54.5 tackles, 28 solo, two sacks, 53 assists and one interception return for 14 yards through eight games.
Washington realizes special teams will be his first opportunity to make an NFL roster. On the Rage, Washington is on the kick-off return team as an interior blocker. On the long field-goal team, Washington sets his block before going downfield to tackle the return man.
Washington, a graduate of Hazelwood Central, played at Hutchinson Community College before graduating from Illinois. The Houston Texans allocated Washington to the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe. Washington then moved to the Chicago Rush of the AFL. When Chicago released Washington, he signed with the Rage.
Head coach Mike Wyatt called Washington a vital cog on the Rage‘s defense.
“Terrell plays at a high level for us. Terrell has nice size, 6’3″ and 252 pounds, for a pass rusher, and great intensity. Most important, Terrell wants to play and not sit at home, waiting for a phone call,” said Wyatt.
“If you want to distinguish yourself as a player, then you got to do that on the field. Assistants coaches from the Rams, Seahawks and Chiefs have contacted the Rage front office to view film on some of our players. Playing in this league is a long shot, but at least you have a chance to move on.”
Washington said signing with the Rage was a chance to prove to NFL teams that he could be a playmaker.
“I have a passion to be on the football field,” said Washington. “I just want to show NFL teams that I could make things happen.”
The River City Rage plays home games at The Family Arena in St. Charles. Call (636) 916-0132 or visit www.ragefootball.com.
