BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford senior punt returner Montrell Washington was named preseason All-American by Hero Sports when the organization released its preseason FCS awards Monday afternoon.
 
Washington was a consensus All-American following a stellar 2019 season as a punt returner.
 
Washington returned 15 punts during the 2019 season for an average of 21.9 yards per return. He returned one punt for a 59-yard touchdown late in the first quarter of the team's game at Western Carolina, turning the momentum and helping lead the Bulldogs to a 31-13 win. For his efforts, Washington was named the Southern Conference's Special Teams Player of the Week following that game.
 
Washington also returned kickoffs for Samford, returning seven kicks for an average of 22.1 yards per return. As a wide receiver, Washington caught 28 passes for 405 yards and three touchdowns.
 
Washington and the Bulldogs will open the 2021 spring season with a game at ETSU Feb. 20, at 12 p.m. (CT). The team's home opener is set for Feb. 27 against Western Carolina at 12 p.m. (CT).