Although Washington admitted he grew up as a rival-UCLA fan, he became USC's second commitment to the 2003 recruiting class in May 2002. That class also included two other highly touted running backs: 2005 Heisman Trophy-winner Reggie Bush as well as Colorado high school all-star and future USC touchdown leader LenDale White. Going into their freshman 2003 season, all three backs were considered to be talented enough to challenge for the starting position and all three played during the USC opener at Auburn.