CLEMSON – In the current landscape of collegiate athletics, it is growing more rare for coaches to invest in the same players for multiple years. It is even more uncommon to coach the same player for multiple years at two different programs.

For Clemson coordinator Tom Allen, the latter will happen this football season, with Penn State transfer Elliot Washington, III, joining the team. 

Washington, a cornerback, played his sophomore season in 2024 under Allen, then the Nittany Lions’ defensive coordinator, helping his team to a College Football Playoff semifinals berth. On Jan. 5, after a successful junior season, Washington announced his commitment to join Allen again, this time in a Clemson uniform. 

“(Washington is) the only one that I had previously coached,” Allen said after spring practice on Monday. “But when you have that experience with somebody, you know exactly who they are. I knew his strengths, I knew his weaknesses, I knew things he needed to work on. And boy, he’s really, he’s kind of hit the ground running.” 

As a junior at Penn State, Washington appeared in 12 games, notching 18 tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception. He also scored on a 35-yard return of a blocked field goal.

Labeled a “top guy,” prospect by head coach Dabo Swinney, Washington will immediately have his chance to make his mark on Clemson’s program, especially with All-American corner Aveion Terrell headed to the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Sarasota, Fla., native’s opportunities to compete have already started, with spring practice getting underway in late February.

“He’s been extremely productive and just has brought a great mindset and just a swagger about him and a confidence and an edge about him,” Allen said. “I’m excited for him because he had a great season when I was there and I expect him to do the same here.”