‘There’s no place like San Diego’ for former Helix star Christian Washington, who commits to Aztecs – elcajon newson Elcajon News only

Christian Washington was among San Diego County’s top running backs at Helix High School, rushing for more than 2,000 yards as a senior in 2021.

College football took Washington clear across the country.

Now he has returned.

Washington, a Coastal Carolina transfer, signed with San Diego State on Thursday. He joins the SDSU program with two years of eligibility remaining.

“I really just wanted to be back home,” Washington said when he completed his recruiting visit on Thursday afternoon. “There’s no place like San Diego.”

Washington spent the 2024 season at Coastal Carolina, where he rushed for 537 yards and five touchdowns following two seasons at New Mexico.

The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder is part of a long line of standout running backs for Helix, rushing for 2,241 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior. Washington rushed for more than 4,000 career yards, helping the Highlanders to Open Division championships in 2019 and 2021.

He was lightly recruited out of Helix. SDSU was among the suitors, but the Aztecs did not offer him a scholarship. Washington went to Albuquerque instead.

Washington rushed for 310 yards as a true freshman for the Lobos, but received more attention as a second-team all-Mountain West kick returner.

He redshirted his sophomore year at New Mexico, then transferred to Coastal Carolina.

“I had to take the journey to really build myself as a man,” Washington said. “Coming back home, just to put on for the city, show everybody what San Diego football is about.

“I know the (SDSU) offense needs a few pieces, but I feel like those pieces are coming together.”

Washington joins a running backs room that includes returners Lucky Sutton (Cathedral Catholic High School) and Cam Davis.

The competition for carries should be spirited in spring practice, with an opportunity presented following the departure of Marquez Cooper, who rushed 292 times this season.

“If I could just get half of that and I’d be straight,” said Washington, who is looking forward to competing for a starting spot. “You need competitive depth in college football. If one person goes down, it’s like what are you going to do next? I feel like that competitive depth is going to make sure I stay up minding my p’s and q’s and the same for them. I can’t wait.”

Originally Published: December 19, 2024 at 4:59 PM PST