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Champion, Landrews, and Washington sign NFL deals
By: Lucas Calvert
WESSON, Miss. – Three former Copiah-Lincoln Community College football players inked deals to play at the professional level this weekend as undrafted free agents. Tommy Champion, who played for Co-Lin in 2015 and 2016, signed with the Seatle Seahawks, Jaquarius Landrews, also played in Wesson in 2015 and 2016, inked with the New York Giants, and Keith Washington II, who played just one season at Co-Lin in 2017, signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints. The trio will all head to NFL camps during the offseason to battle for spots on the newly expanded 55-man roster for each team.
Champion, a Calloway High School graduate from Jackson, was a staple of the Wolves’ offensive line for two seasons. The 6-5, 320-pound lineman, helped Co-Lin rush for over 1,200 yards both years he dressed out as a Wolf and helped Co-Lin produce a 1,000-yard rusher in Ladarius Galloway. His efforts landed him First Team All-MACJC honors as a sophomore in 2016. He went on to play at Mississippi State University where he played in 18 games and started six times through two seasons.
Landrews, a McComb High School product, was a stellar defensive back for Co-Lin in his two years in Wesson. The lengthy safety wrapped up 43 tackles during his career at Co-Lin and snagged four interceptions, including a game-winning, overtime pick against East Mississippi in 2015, highlighted in Netflix’s Last Chance U. After Co-Lin, Landrews played at Mississippi State University where he played in 23 games with 16 starts. He totaled 98 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, and 13 pass breakups with the Bulldogs.
Washington, a Prattville, Ala. native, came to Co-Lin as a defensive back for one season after transferring from the University of Michigan. During his season with the Wolves, he wrapped up 20 tackles, brought down two interceptions, posted five pass breakups, and forced one fumble. After Co-Lin he continued his career at West Virginia University where he played in 22 games at cornerback, with 17 career starts. During his time with the Mountaineers, he recorded 23 tackles, three interceptions, and 12 breakups which landed him 2019 All-Big 12 Second Team honors.
Another notable player joining the NFL ranks as an undrafted free agent with Co-Lin ties is Wesson native Farrod Green. Green is the son of Co-Lin defensive back’s coach Calvin Green. Farrod played at Wesson Attendance Center before going to Mississippi State University to play tight end. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts.
