PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football WR Isaiah Washington has made a name for himself both on and off the field in five years as a Scarlet Knight.

A fifth-year senior from Jacksonville, Florida, Washington has established himself as a go-to guy for head coach Greg Schiano, boasting 53 career games with 20 starts heading into this weekend's contest with No. 1/3 Ohio State.  

While he has had his share of moments catching the ball, Washington has also become just as dependable as a blocker for one of the Big Ten's top rushing offenses.

"That's just F.A.M.I.L.Y. – Forget About Me, I Love You," Washington said. "Blocking downfield is just a testament to that. Kyle (Monangai) is one of our teammates, he's a great running back and we just want to do all we can to grow as an offense. Blocking downfield is one of those things. For him to pop one, you've got to get through that second level. And we'll be there to protect him."

And with all the success Washington has contributed to on the field, he keeps it all in perspective and remains focused on the day-to-day – trying not to look back on his five years in Piscataway too much.

With four weeks left of the regular season, Washington remains committed to getting better each day and contributing to the team's mindset of going 1-0 every week.

"I'm trying not to reminisce until it's all said and done," he said. "I really don't want to look back while I'm still trying to go forward. I don't really like to let the past steal from the present. I've just been trying to keep my head on a swivel, keep my head on my chop and play out this season."

In his first season at RU, Washington broke out with a 51-yard touchdown reception against Liberty. He would have to wait nearly three years for his next score, a 43-yard reception against Wagner. In between those two scores, Washington kept his head down and continued to put in the work that makes him such a valuable part of the offense.

Whether he knew it or not, Washington's daily deposits set an example for the rest of the wide receiver room as he emerged as a leader at the position group. As the team's on-field success and culture has developed, so has the wide receiver room, thanks in part to Washington. 

"We all just play for each other," Washington said. "That's what you always want in a team. As far as growing closer together, I think we have. Ever since I've been here, we've continued to make progress."

While a number of veterans like Washington, Christian Dremel and JaQuae Jackson have taken the lion's share of reps this year, the offense has also seen different young receivers earn playing time this fall.

Washington knows how difficult it can be to find the field as a true freshman and knows what it takes to make the most of an opportunity. With everything he's experienced "On the Banks," Washington is the perfect role model for the next wave of RU receivers.

So whether it's on the field blocking for his teammates or in the wide receiver room leading them, you can always find Isaiah Washington paving the way.

"I never let a moment go by where I don't tell them I'm proud of them," Washington said of his younger teammates. "It takes a lot as a young guy to come in and make a difference. I just tell them to not take any of it for granted. I try to walk the right steps so they can see somebody that works hard and just help them every step of the way."

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