Kevin Washington enters his first season at Carson-Newman as a graduate assistant with the Eagles defensive backs.

The Greenville, S.C., native was a standout defensive back for the Eagles from 2001-05 and was a part of four South Atlantic Conference titles and three NCAA Playoff appearances.

Washington returns to his alma mater after playing professionally in arena football. A 2006 graduate of C-N with a B.S. in Physical Education, he began his arena football career with the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League before joining the Huntington Heroes of the American Indoor Football League in Huntington, W. Va., in 2007.

With the Heroes, Washington tallied eight interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns, and had 10 pass breakups, earning him a spot in the AIFL All-Star game.

Washington played for the South Carolina Force of the AIFL last season.

Washington and his wife, Andrea, reside in Jefferson City with their son, KeShawn.