COLLINSVILLE — West Lauderdale High School senior linebacker Michael Washington just might be the most popular student at the school.

Washington signed with Northwest Mississippi Community College to continue his football career Wednesday afternoon in the school’s library — and the library was nearly packed. Teammates from the football and basketball squads were on hand, as well as fellow West Lauderdale seniors and members of his family. As one student put it, “Everyone loves Michael,” but Washington said he was just humbled to see so many of his friends share in a special moment.

“It’s not about me, it’s about other people,” Washington said. “One thing I really pride myself on is, I care more about other people than I do myself sometimes. I consider myself as a leader and try to lead by example, and I’m just thankfully they supported me all of my four years of high school, and they’ve always been there and hopefully won’t ever leave.”

A Premier Preps selection this past Christmas, Washington led on the field for West Lauderdale with 154 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. Northwest is getting much more than a productive player, however, according to Knights coach Stan McCain.

“It’s hard to put into words,” McCain said. “Ever since the ninth grade, he’s been a leader for our football team — and not only for our football team, but for our school in the way he models himself and leads by example. It’s hard to find fault in Michael Washington. I know he’s like everybody else and has faults, but one of our coaches said if he ran for mayor of Collinsville, he’d probably get elected. That’s how popular he is, and he’s done a great job of being a great student-athlete here.”

Though he’ll miss having Washington on the field, McCain said Northwest is getting a talented player who will bring plenty of production with him when he arrives in Senatobia. 

“He’s going to be probably the No. 1 leader on the field,” McCain said. “He’s going to be the smartest guy out there. He’s going to give the best effort out there. They’ll get someone that can play sideline to sideline at middle linebacker, and he has some punch when he makes contact. As a football player, they’re getting a really good football player, but as a person, they’re getting a better person.”

The opportunity to play college ball is something Washington said he isn’t taking for granted.

“It’s really important,” Washington said. “As a kid, you dream of playing at the next level, and I’ve worked extremely hard.”

No matter where he goes, Washington said he won’t forget the fun times he had suiting up for West Lauderdale.

“It’s been awesome,” Washington said. “Coach McCain, Coach Clay the defensive coordinator, all the coaches are great coaches, and they know what they’re doing and how to do it. It’s more than just football here; it’s all about family, and that’s the reason we’ve been as successful as we have the past two years.”

Northwest offered Washington the same family atmosphere, he said, which was a key reason he chose to ink with the Rangers.

“I love the way they play ball down there, flying to the football and running the 4-3 (defense),” Washington said. “That’s what I’ve been running for the past two years, and I feel like they’re the best fit for me at this point in time.”