To many high school athletes, playing a sport for a Division 1 school is merely a dream. However, for senior Caleb Washington, playing football at the collegiate level could be shaping up to become a reality.

Because of his spectacular play, the Warrior defensive end has been in contact with many college scouts and coaches. Among the schools interested in Washington are University of Georgia, Kennesaw State, Duke, North Carolina, Tennessee and Tennessee State. He has specific scholarship offers from seven schools, including Eastern Kentucky University, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and Mercer University

None of the garnered interest would have been possible without a great work ethic. “I have been working very hard each of my four years at North Atlanta,” Washington said. “I workout two times a day, and then I make sure to play as hard as possible at practice.”

In addition to hard work, head coach Jeremy Gainer and his staff have played a huge role in Washington’s recruitment. Gainer has done a great job of not only getting Washington onto the radars of scouts, but he has done this with many of his other players. “During my freshman year, there weren’t really any colleges talking to me,” Washington said. “However, after Gainer took over the program, there have been a lot more schools scouting me and some of my teammates. Without Coach Gainer, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Playing college football has always been a goal for Washington. However, once he graduates high school, he also wants to make sure he is prepared for future. “After this year, I want to go playing college ball, get my degree in electrical engineering, and just live a good life,” he said.

With more college scouts noting his high-level of play, Washington is on the road to Division 1 and a bright future. Without his hard work, as well as the impact of Coach Gainer, he might not have had the chance to accomplish his goal. For now, family, classmates, and teachers can catch him in the hallways, or watch him making plays for the Warriors on Friday nights. But come next year, look for Caleb Washington playing the sport he loves on college football Saturdays.