Nov. 20, 2002

Charleston, Sc - The first time quarterback Jeff Klein stepped into a Citadel huddle last August, center Chad Boozer knew.

"He acted like he had been there before, even though he didn't know half the players in the huddle," Boozer said. "But right away, all eyes were on him. It was clear, he was going to be the leader in the huddle. We didn't ask any questions. We just said yes, sir, and moved on."

Klein and defensive end Cliff Washburn came to The Citadel football team as intriguing rarities this season - fifth-year seniors who had never played football for the Bulldogs before, and who wound up starting every game and having record-breaking seasons.

Klein, the graduate-student transfer from Auburn, is one of the few players in Citadel history who never wore a cadet uniform. Washburn, a four-year starter for the Bulldogs' basketball team, played football this season for the first time since sixth grade.

Neither player regrets his decision to play football this year, despite the Bulldogs' 2-9 record heading into Thursday's season finale against Charleston Southern. And both hope to be playing pro ball of some kind next year.

"It's been frustrating at times, because our record doesn't reflect the progress this program has made," Klein said Tuesday. "We're breaking records, but we're just a young team. I wish I had another year to play with all the guys who will be coming back next season."

Klein has completed 186 of 346 passes for 2,310 yards this season, with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

He's just the third quarterback in Citadel history to pass for more than 2,000 yards in a season, and needs 168 yards Thursday to break the school record. He already holds the school record for total offense in a season.

"Jeff has handled a difficult situation very well, because of his personality, his experience at the level he played at," coach Ellis Johnson said.

"He's handled it as well as anyone could expect, and our players have, too."

Washburn, 6-7 and 270 pounds, became the first Southern Conference athlete to win player of the week awards in basketball and football. He also set a school record, for sacks in a game with four against East Tennessee State, and he leads the team with eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss. He needs four more sacks to tie Lance Thompson's school record of 12 set in 1985, and pro scouts have followed his progress all season.

"Cliff might have cost himself millions of dollars by not playing football all along," Johnson said. "It's probably borderline right now, but I think some team will give him a chance. He's got the natural physical ability, but it will take time. "

What does the future hold for the pair? Washburn said he could be doing anything next year from coaching to teaching to playing pro football or basketball at one level or another.

Klein, who was disgusted with football by the end of his Auburn career, also wants a career in the game, whether it is in coaching or playing. He plans to get a job in Charleston and work out with an eye toward playing in NFL Europe or arena football.

"I was done with football," he said. "But this season has renewed my love for the game. Even though we are 2-9, I had a great time just competing with these guys. I don't want to give up on playing football just yet."