How South Carolina State’s Jarod Washington Shocked Scouts with an Unforgettable East-West Shrine Bowl Performance

Ever wondered what it takes to outpace the nation’s best college football players on a stage as prestigious as the East-West Shrine Bowl? Well, Jarod Washington, a standout from an HBCU, isn’t just keeping up—he’s leading the charge with a blazing speed of 21.33 mph, leaving heavyweights from LSU and Toledo in the dust. His tenacity and game-breaking plays at South Carolina State have turned heads, but what truly sets him apart is his relentless drive and sharp instincts on the field. Could Washington be the catalyst for more HBCU athletes breaking through the NFL draft’s glass ceiling? There’s a story unfolding here that’s as fast-paced and electrifying as Washington’s own sprints down the gridiron. LEARN MORE.

The East-West Shrine Bowl features several of the best college football players in the nation, but HBCU standout Jarod Washington is leading the pack.

The fastest players from Day 3 at the East-West Shrine Bowl per @ZebraTechnology

1⃣ @jaro0d_, @SCState_Fb
2⃣ @ftfzayy_, @LSUfootball
3⃣ @AverySmith2022, @ToledoFB

Check out all the data from practice here https://t.co/k4DCt5ACRE pic.twitter.com/9weTheWXpQ

— East-West Shrine Bowl (@ShrineBowl) January 26, 2026

Washington has proven to be one of the fastest players at the Shrine Bowl, as he’s clocked in at 21.33 mph. That places him ahead of LSU’s Xavion Davis, who clocked in at 20.96 miles per hour, and Toledo’s Avery Smith, who clocked in at 20.47 miles per hour. His speed and ability to make plays made him a standout as a defensive back for South Carolina State and a key contributor to their championship team.

He finished the season with 35 total tackles, 32 of them solo tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and 21 pass breakups. His play earned him the opportunity to compete in the East-West Shrine Bowl as he was given an invitation. He took it, and he tallied one pick-six—a 51-yard touchdown return.

His play earned him the title of MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, and also the 2025 Aeneas Williams Award. He was also a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award and the Stats Perform HBCU National Player of the Year. Washington looks to become the latest HBCU player to be drafted, as only one player was selected out of an HBCU last season: Alabama A&M offensive tackle Carson Vinson.

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