South Carolina’s defense needed a boost this season and former United States Marine Michael Washington delivered Saturday afternoon against Furman.

Late in the first quarter, the 27-year-old walk-on recovered a fumble, only the Gamecocks’ sixth takeaway of the season.

Washington, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound defensive end, joined the Marines after graduating high school in 2005 despite scholarship offers from North Carolina State, Clemson and South Carolina.

“He is an old soul,” South Carolina assistant coach Shawn Elliott said this week of Washington. “He has been through a lot. I’m rooting for individuals like him. He doesn’t have to be out here doing this. It’s the furthest thing he has to be doing.

“He could be getting his degree, carrying on with his life. Being in the military and coming out here to play football, putting in the time and effort. He has had some ups and downs. He certainly has. But the fight is in him. That’s what you want.”