Washington Huskies

SEATTLE -- Marcus Trufant always saw something special in his younger brother, Desmond.

The oldest of three boys, Marcus spent enough time babysitting to know his sibling had the potential to follow in the family footsteps and become the third Trufant brother to play cornerback in the NFL.

“Growing up he’s always had something special about him,” Marcus said. “He always stood out at sports -- football, basketball, it really didn’t matter what it was. He’s doing the same now. He’s standing out and he’s doing a lot of good stuff.”

Marcus watched his younger brother work out at Washington’s pro day Wednesday. Measured at 5-foot-11.5, 192 pounds, Desmond didn’t do any weight lifting, jumping or sprints. But, wearing a pair of bright orange cleats, he did participate in some of the agility drills and individual player workouts.

Scouts from Denver, Kansas City, San Francisco, Jacksonville, Seattle and New England, among others, watched the potential first-round pick. Seeing his younger brother audition for scouts brought back memories for Marcus.

“It’s like a déjà vu feeling all over again,” he said. “I know he’s been having a blast and it’s going to keep on getting better and better, so he’s been having a lot of fun.

“It’s big. I’m excited for him. I’m proud, and he’s just really done excellent for himself with the Senior Bowl, with the combine, even during the season. He’s doing excellent and he’s setting himself perfect to make a dream come true. All he’s got to do is keep grinding and just do the right things and he’ll be all right.”

After Desmond finished his workout, he said hello to Marcus and his parents, Constance and Lloyd, before being whisked away by a pair of scouts from the Jaguars and Washington coach Steve Sarkisian. Desmond was not able to meet with the media, so his older brother filled in.

When Marcus was asked if he shared any advice with his brother, he said, “You’re a good player. You’ve got all the speed. You’ve got great footwork, so just go out there and be yourself. Be the best you.”

Fullback Jonathan Amosa, offensive lineman Drew Schaefer, defensive lineman Semisi Tokolahi, defensive back Anthony Gobern and receiver Devin Aguilar -- he graduated in 2012 -- also worked out for scouts.

SEATTLE -- Tucked toward the back of Washington’s athletic facilities is the Conibear Shellhouse.

The building houses the university’s student-athlete education center, a dining hall and is home to the Huskies’ crew team.

Built on the shore of Lake Washington, the facility features a scenic backdrop, a waterfront view Desmond Trufant has enjoyed throughout his four years as a cornerback at Washington.

Just days before the 22-year-old potential first-round NFL draft pick planned to participate in Washington’s March 13 pro day, Trufant settled into a metal chair on a deck at the back of the building.

Wearing a gray Nike sweatshirt and black sweatpants, Trufant talked about the highs and lows of a college career that went by in a blink. He talked about the pressure of proving he could play at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine. And he talked about growing up with two older brothers who paved a path for him to become the person and player he is today.

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