Mizzou’s L’Damian Washington and Andrew Wilson Discuss Unity, Focus

With the 2013 Missouri Tiger football season underway, excitement around the program continues to grow. The potential on the table for Mizzou is impossible to overlook after a win over Murray State that carried so many positives.

Senior linebacker Andrew Wilson praised his coach, calling him “calm, cool and collected.” He also reflected on the family-like atmosphere of the team. “At camp we were having meetings, and before the meetings we were singing songs just having fun,” Wilson said with a smile.

Senior wide receiver L’Damian Washington echoed his teammate’s sentiment about the family-like atmosphere . “I think everyone that comes to this program feels at home,” he said. ” It’s one of those things that you really can’t put into words, especially a guy like myself coming all the way from Louisiana. Everyone just embraces you like you’re their brother and the coaches like you’re their grandson. That really helps out to make your time here a lot more easy.”

But, it’s not only about the present at Mizzou, it’s also about the future. Both Washington and Wilson agreed things are on the right track.

“We’re getting a lot of good recruits from all over the country.  It’s going up,” Wilson said.

Washington got excited talking about the future of Tiger football. “Man, right now it’s heading in the right direction, and what’s exciting about that is that our senior group is trying to lead that train right now, and get Mizzou back in its winning ways,” he said. “That’s our responsibility. The young guys are just gonna take it over, take the steering wheel and drive right downhill and get Mizzou back in their winning ways. We’re going to compete in the SEC.”

The product of this palpable togetherness is incredible focus. Both players were quick to point out how dialed in they are.

“The goal is the national championship, no matter what,” Wilson said. “Everyone is excited, watching film… just dialed in and ready to go.”

“Around here we’re talking championships,” Washington agreed. “Why not talk about championships? That’s the attitude we have around here. We feel strongly about our team.”

The players’ only point of dispute is the team’s best EA Sports NCAA Football gamer. “It’s Brayden Burnett,” Wilson said without hesitation. “You gotta watch out, he’ll get you.”

Washington didn’t miss the chance to toot his horn on this one saying: “I haven’t lost yet, so if anyone tells you they beat me then there’s a problem. I usually blow people out.”

I think it’s fair to say that fans will be dying to know who will win the epic Burnett-Washington contest.

The Tigers’ laughs, songs and overall support go beyond the end zone glory and fourth quarter victories. Ol’ Mizzou’s positive family atmosphere is a way of life.