Former Burke County Bear Tavarius Washington is making a name for himself on the collegiate level.

The Keysville native and se- nior Albany State linebacker has been pegged as the preseason Offensive Player of the Year by The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Washington is the top returning tackler for the Rams. The 6-2, 230-lb standout recorded 93 tackles last season with 17.5 of those coming from behind the line of scrimmage. Washington was also placed on the Preseason All- Conference First Team.