Virginia offers grad transfer defensive back Washington from Harvard

By Jerry Ratcliffe

From left: UVA defensive coordinator John Rudzinski, Alex Washington, head coach Tony Elliott and defensive backs coach Curome Cox. (Photo: twitter.com/Alex_w04)

Having lost cornerback Fentrell Cypress and safety Chayce Chalmers to the transfer portal, Virginia has reached out to former Harvard defensive back Alex Washington with an offer.

Washington, a 6-foot-2, 192-pound, grad transfer, will have one year of eligibility remaining. Originally from Hoover, Ala. (Birmingham suburbs), he was a 3-star prospect that was second-team, all-state and a member of the All-Birmingham defensive first team. He was rated the No. 82 overall prospect in the state for the 2019 recruiting class.

The Harvard defender was first-team All-Ivy League as a junior in 2021 and an honorable mention this past season as a senior.

His two interceptions in 2022 led the Crimson. He also had 34 total tackles (27 solo) and three passes broken up. For his career, Washington posted six interceptions.

Three UVA coaches, including head coach Tony Elliott, visited Washington on Wednesday to present the offer. Also, Cavaliers defensive coordinator John Rudzinski and defensive backs coach Curome Cox were on hand.

Air Force, where Rudzinski was formerly defensive coordinator, was one of the programs Washington considered when he starred for Mountain Brook High. He also considered Middle Tennessee, Troy and South Alabama out of high school.

Presently, Washington is reportedly talking with Iowa.