For the past eight years, Carroll Washington has been the quarterback.

From Pop Warner to the Edmondson varsity, Washington’s been used to running the show. The 6-foot, 185-pounder has played the position to high acclaim, throwing for nearly 1,800 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior, while rushing for 434 yards and six scores, according to Rivals.com.

But with recruiting in full swing for the 2009 prospect, it’s become clear that Washington’s collegiate future lies at a position other than quarterback. His size and speed (4.46 hand-timed 40) have college coaches eyeing him as a cornerback or slot receiver.

For Washington, who’s still waiting on his first scholarship offer, changing positions in college is something he’s come to accept, and ultimately embrace.

Has it been difficult coming to the realization that you’ll probably play cornerback or slot, not quarterback, in college?

It took me a while to let that go. It took a lot of people to talk to me and make me realize it’s something I have to do to move on to the next level. It’s something I’ve got to do. There are a lot of colleges out there that said they like me better at [another] position. But I just want to be on the team and contribute as best as I can.

What schools are you hearing from?

Maryland, West Virginia, Rutgers, UConn, U.Va., Eastern Michigan, Delaware State, Akron, Boston College, Tennessee.

You’ve made unofficial visits to Rutgers and Maryland. How were those trips?

Rutgers, I went down there for a game and the fans were just off the wall. It just blew my mind because it was the first time being on a big college stage. The fans were nice -- they welcomed me in like I was one of the freshmen. It was just a special moment. ...

Maryland -- same thing -- blew my mind once again. Their campus is really huge. It’s very nice. It’s just amazing how the atmosphere changes from Baltimore to all the way down there [in College Park]. It’s very nice.

What are you hoping for in your performance at Maryland’s camp this week, and what have the Terps coaches told you?

I’m hoping to perform to my best ability, try out new things at defensive back and possibly even slot receiver. They told me at this point that I would look good at defensive back because that’s what they’re in need of. And my ability could fit them at cornerback.

You’re camping at West Virginia next week. What have those coaches told you?

They talked to me, and basically said they liked me at slot or [defensive back], but slot more because they need more receivers. Their receiving corps is kind of thin right now, so they think they could use me at slot.

Do you feel that these upcoming camps will make or break your recruiting picture?

Yes. I feel my future is based on these camps right now. It makes me feel like I have to go in there and give 110 percent on everything I do. Just walking in there, I’ll have to give 110 percent. ... Right now, [performing well at the camps is] all I’m worried about -- just selling out on everything I do. That’s just a must.

Credit: Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.

Click on the YouTube player for highlights from Washington's sophomore season.