Washington to replace Etheridge at safety

AUBURN - Walt McFadden warns opponents not to let Demond Washington's size deceive them. He will hit.

Washington moved to strong safety, meaning a physical brand of football is part of the job requirement.

Having Washington in the spot might look funny, McFadden said, because he is a shorter player. Washington is listed at 5-foot-9 - a figure at which McFadden, who's only 6-feet tall, scoffed.

"I don't know about that," McFadden said. "But he's got a big heart, I'll tell you that.

"He's a smart player - just give him a couple of days of practice and I believe he can pick up anything. He plays fast, he wants to be on the field, and he'll do whatever it takes."

Washington has played a lot of positions during his football career. He learned to play cornerback after spending the previous two years in junior college playing tailback.

Saturday will mark the first time he has ever lined up at safety during a game.

Washington has spent most of the season as Auburn's third corner in the nickel package, but replaces Zac Etheridge, who suffered a season-ending neck injury last week.

Auburn coach Gene Chizik and defensive coordinator Ted Roof decided to make the move in hopes of putting the team's best four defensive backs on the field.

So far, Chizik thinks the move has paid off.

"Demond's done really well. Obviously the stakes aren't as high in practice so it's easier to be more relaxed and things of that nature," Chizik said. "Demond's a very smart football player. Mentally, he's capable of picking all this stuff up. It will be interesting to see what happens on Saturday, but at this point after two days of practice, we're really happy with the move."

Mike Slade replaced Etheridge when he sustained his injury during the first quarter. The sophomore recorded three tackles and Chizik said he filled in "adequately."

With a week to prepare a new player, though, Chizik opted to pass up both Slade and T'Sharvan Bell in favor of Washington.

Still, Chizik plans to continue utilizing Washington as the third corner in the nickel package, meaning either Slade or Bell will play safety in that package. Chizik said Wednesday that decision had not yet been made.

Washington said the position change was difficult at first, but he is getting more comfortable with every snap.

He thinks strong safety is a natural position for him.

"I love it," Washington said. "I'm a physical guy. I love to hit. It's going to be great."

Auburn hopes he's right. That's because the Tigers' depth at the position has become an urgent matter.

Washington agreed his position change comes at the best possible time.

He has also embraced the new challenge. Now he hopes to reward the coaches for their faith in his ability to pick up a new position immediately.

"It goes to show that coaches trust me to get in and get the job done," he said. "I'm not going to let them down. That means a lot to me."