Destrehan, La., defensive tackle Chaz Washington (6-3, 300, 5.1) celebrated a "happy birthday" by committing to Miami on Oct. 31.
"They (head coach Larry Coker and wide receivers coach Curtis Johnson) called me up on my birthday, Monday, Oct. 31, and I just felt like I wanted to commit at that time," explained Washington, of Destrehan High School. "The Lord was leading me to make that decision right then and there.
"I was talking with Coach Johnson and he explained how much they wanted me. I felt like they really did want me, and he was telling me how they can make the team better with me on the defensive line.
"I didn't really think about committing before that phone call -- it just happened.
"Playing for Miami will make me a better ball player and I will get a good education there. I am excited about being a part of that. To be a Hurricane is an exciting thing," Washington said.
"I was at Miami back when I was a freshman in high school. I went there for a camp. I learned a lot there and all throughout my high school career I have kept the techniques that Miami taught me. They have a great coaching staff -- very knowledgeable.
"I am still going on my visits," he commented. "I still want to see what's out there. I need to see if it's going to be the right place for me. This is one of the biggest decisions of my life, so I have to at least see what else is out there. I am committed to Miami -- but I need to be 100% sure."
Washington added, "I love the South. I was born and raised in the South, and I'm already used to the humidity, so I don't have to worry about that."
Visits are set for Nebraska on Nov. 12, Mississippi on Nov. 19, Texas Tech on Jan. 13 and Miami on Jan. 20.
Destrehan (8-0) faces East St. John (7-1) for the District Championship on Nov. 4. "We are sitting pretty for the playoffs next week and the state championships," Washington said. "We can go all the way."
2.8 GPA/18 ACT -- Oct. retake score unreported