Michigan defensive back Keith Washington to transfer
A third-year sophomore, he was expected to compete for time in Michigan's secondary this year.
Michigan opens its 2017 season in less than two weeks. And it'll do so without a member of its defensive backfield.
A Michigan source confirmed to the Free Press today that redshirt sophomore defensive back Keith Washington intends to transfer from the school. Washington -- a Prattville, Alabama native -- was expected to compete at cornerback for the Wolverines this season. He asked for his transfer release earlier in the day Monday.
Scout.com was first to report the news. Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Earlier today, cornerbacks coach Mike Zordich told reporters Washington had been working at other positions in the secondary.
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The 6-foot-2 Washington came to Michigan as a high school quarterback out of Prattville as a member of Jim Harbaugh's first recruiting class in 2015. He was recruited by the Wolverines as a cornerback and immediately made the transition upon arriving in Ann Arbor.
After redshirting during his first season with the Wolverines, Washington contributed mostly on special teams in 2016. He rotated with the starters, at times, at cornerback in spring ball -- including the spring game.
Today, Zordich explained how sophomore cornerback Lavert Hill had established himself as a starter at one spot -- but the other job remained completely open.
"You see some flashes, you know they can do it, but they've got to do it every single play," Zordich said. "I don't know if they're just afraid to make plays. Again, they have the ability and they've shown it and they've done it in live situations at practice, but they have to understand it has to be on a consistent basis. And that's not happening right now."
Contact Nick Baumgardner: nbaumgardn@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickBaumgardner. Download our Wolverines Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices!