Elliot Washington committed to Alabama on Jan. 31, but the 4-star safety out of Venice, Florida announced a decommitment on Friday, and pledge to play at Penn State.

Washington is ranked the No. 6 safety in the class of 2023, and No. 25 player in the state of Florida, according to the 247Sports Composite. At the time of his commitment to Alabama, he was the first pledge to the Crimson Tide in that class. What’s more, his father, Elliott Washington, played basketball for the University of Alabama from 1991-93.

His first commitment came after Washington recorded 54 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and 4 interceptions during the 2021 season. He announced a top 5 in November of Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. He then announced in December his recruitment is “100-percent open to all universities” because of coaching changes. Washington took his official visit to Penn State on June 10 and was also considering Michigan State.

Here’s his scouting report from 247Sports:

A versatile defensive back with an elite burst that has been getting varsity snaps since he was in eighth grade. Owns a muscular build and is already hovering around 195 pounds. Still room, however, to add some more mass and could eventually tack on 15 pounds or more to his stocky frame, if desired. Has spent much of prep career working on the outside, but figures to settle in as a slot corner or box safety at the next level given physical nature and lack of length. Looks to be one of the best in the Sunshine State for the 2023 cycle when it comes to changing directions as he can twist and turn and get where he needs to be on most occasions. Competitive at the catch point more times than not as he will stick his hip right on a wide receiver and then fight through hands. Likes to play the role of enforcer on Friday nights and has displayed impressive power as a tackler near the line of scrimmage or in the open field. Excels in chase mode, which isn’t surprising giving verified speed markers (10.69 in the 100-meter dash at state track meet as a junior). Doesn’t have a ton of experience working in press-man situations, but understands to some degree how to shed blocks and make a stop, which is always encouraging. Has found success as a punt returner in the past and figures to emerge as a valuable pawn on special teams at the college of his choice given how quickly he can get down the field. Picked off four passes as a junior, helping Venice win a state title in Florida’s highest classification. That’s after a junior campaign in which he was responsible for four more takeaways. Might not be a true CB1 type, but has the skillset and tools to blossom into an impact player in the secondary for a College Football Playoff contender.

Here are his highlights from Hudl: