Nicholls State running backs Marcus Washington and Jesse Turner are basically brothers.
Washington, junior tailback from Lillian, Ala., said that he and his fellow running mate have a great relationship on and off the field and he does not hesitate to call Turner his brother.
“He was here a little earlier than me, but with me coming in and contributing as a freshman, we grew even closer,” Washington said. “I look at him like my bigger brother.”
Washington said that just being away from home and having someone like Turner by his side helps him. He knows that Turner is somebody that will always be there for him.
Turner, who hails from Houma, says that the chemistry between them clicks. With both running backs wanting more reps, wanting to produce, and wanting to claim All-Southland Conference Awards, the competition level raises each other’s productivity, according to both running backs. But the competition does not take away from their brotherly bond.
 “We’re best buds,” Turner said. “We both have the same goals, so we’re great friends.”
Both Washington and Turner were named to the Second Team All-Southland Conference team in their collegiate career. Turner received the award in 2010 as a sophomore when he led the conference in yards per carry with 5.6, while Washington grabbed the same honor last season with 565 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Turner said that they feed off of one another in games and at practice. When one running back makes a huge play, the other wants to make an even bigger one.
“If I see Marcus make a play, I’m on the sideline looking to make a play too,” Turner said. “We feed off of each other even at practice. I see him working hard, busting his butt, and I want to do the same thing.”
This season, Washington leads the Colonels in rushing yards and is tied for fourth in the Southland Conference with 59 rushing yards per game. He also has three rushing touchdowns.
As for Turner, he has 166 total rushing yards this season with one rushing touchdown. Washington serves as a power back for the Colonels, but he knows that anytime Turner touches the football, he could take it to the house.
“If he gets a hole, he might take it 80 yards,” Washington said. “Being in the game and seeing him working, I’m trying to get in and make him work even harder.”
But the competition does not end on the field for these two. It carries over to the basketball court, on the game consoles, and even bowling.
“He gets me at bowling,” Turner said.
Washington modestly tried to downplay his advantage in bowling, but he let Turner know who dominates the pins.
“Yeah, I’m a pretty decent bowler,” Washington said.
However, Washington did admit that Turner wins the battle in gaming.
“I got his number in (NBA) 2K,” Turner said.
“Yeah, he has that. In the real thing though, I have him,” Washington said.