His college football career was on life-support and his reputation was in a far worse condition as he endured a four-month prison stint.

Washington was a standout running back at the University of Missouri who had more than 2,000 yards and 28 touchdowns during three years at the then-Big 12 Conference school. He was an all-conference selection in 2008 and earned team-captain status following his junior season.

Those accomplishments meant absolutely nothing the day he was accused of a sexual offense against a former Missouri tutor in 2010, a felony deviate sexual assault charge he would later be convicted of in 2011. Washington would be released from scholarship and kicked out school just weeks prior to the start of what was supposed to be his final season with the Tigers.

"It was a real stressful situation," said Washington, who finished his career at Tuskegee and will suit up for the Stars team in Saturday's Raycom All-Star Classic at Cramton Bowl. "From being the starting running back to captain of the team to being at home not knowing what's going to happen next to going through the court stuff – it was real stressful."

Washington, who was 21 at the time, was sentenced to five years in prison. He would serve only 120 days as part of a "shock incarceration" program specially designed for first-time offenders.

"It's something that I would never wish on anybody," said Washington, who also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic assault of a former girlfriend while in prison. "It was a dark part in my life, the lowest moment of my life."

The Raymore, Mo., native still proclaims his innocence. Confident that he wouldn't be convicted, Washington was advised by his legal counsel to not testify on his behalf during the two-day trail.

"Honestly, we thought we were going to win it," he said.

Following his March 2012 release from prison, Washington attempted to resume his football career and Eastern Washington appeared to be the destination to pursue that. Instead, after a face-to-face visit by Washington and his mother, the scholarship offer was ultimately taken off the table.

Winston Salem State, a Division II program, also reneged on a scholarship offer to leave the running back's career in limbo.

"I thought I was going there," Washington said. "I signed the scholarship papers and they asked from my shoe size and helmet size. We were about to go for a visit, then one day they called to say it was a 'no go.' I guess (the coaches) didn't tell the president all the information."

Needless to say the hope of returning to the field appeared bleak. In one final attempt, a friend of the family reached out to the coaching staff at Tuskegee, which turned out to be the lone school that was willing to offer Washington a second-chance to revitalize his once promising career.

Unlike the previous two schools, Tuskegee's president, county and city leaders all approved the transfer enrollment. The senior running back was monitored by state and local law enforcement and underwent counseling as part of rehabilitation.

"The community was real welcoming," said Washington, who is now a registered sex offender as part of his probation stemming from the conviction. "The southern hospitality is real in the south. I let the players know up front about my situation, and that I didn't want to have anyone's respect because I wanted to earn it."

And that he did, especially on the field.

The two years away from live action didn't affect Washington. He led the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in rushing (140 yards per game), all-purpose yards (165.3), total touchdowns (15) and rushing touchdowns (14) as one of the main cogs in helping the Golden Tigers bounce back from a dismal 2011 showing to win the conference championship.

Washington went on to be named SIAC Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy – Division II's version of the Heisman.

"I really believed that I was supposed to be at Tuskegee," he said. "Everything happens for a reason. They treated me like I was one of their own. It was like one big family from the students to the teachers."

Teammate William Buford said Washington's transition to Tuskegee went without incident.

"We're all grown men and understand that sometimes mistakes are made whether they're right or wrong," said Buford, who'll also play for the Stars squad in Saturday's game. "From what I've seen, he's a great guy. I'll stand behind him from here on out for whatever."

It was the sterling off-the-field behavior that made Raycom All-Star Classic player of personnel director Mike Hagen offer Washington the shot at showcasing his talents for pro scouts.

"This game gives him a chance to show his dedication to the game," Hagen said. "If he's serious about pro football, then this is the platform for him to be around the decision-makers in the NFL for a week and let them get their impression of him, and let him tell him story and where he is in his life now.

"Of course, we had to be selective in which players we brought in … but we decided to take a chance and give him a chance. And he deserves it from all that I could find out. He's walked the line and kept it rolling, and we hope he continues to do so."

The availability to interaction with NFL scouts provides Washington the chance to assure potential teams that there's no character issues despite the results of his 2011 conviction – which is currently in the appeals process.

"I've talked to a couple of scouts here and about five scouts came to Tuskegee during the year, so I let them know what's going on with my situation," Washington said. "There's no point in lying or hiding it because it's already out there. They tell me to keep fighting hard because it's going to be an uphill battle.

"It's kind of hard talking to them about it, but I know I am going to have to talk about it.