MICHAEL WASHINGTON

Hometown: Aliquippa, Pa.

CLASS: FRESHMAN

HEIGHT: 5-7

WEIGHT: 160 POUNDS

BENCH PRESS: 225 POUNDS 9 TIMES

MAXIMUM BENCH: 300 POUNDS

40 TIME: 4.27 SECONDS

Famous relative: Cousin is Ty Law, All-Pro cornerback and three-time Super Bowl winner now with the New York Jets.

BODY PIERCING: ONE

TATTOOS: NONE

Favorite entertainer: "Dwele, a smooth-jazz player. Defensive players like the loud stuff because they want to knock your head off. Receivers like the smooth stuff."

Did you know: "I took gymnastics when I was a kid. That's how I know how to do flips."

Case for starting: "I have to say it's because of my speed. But it's hard to come in as a freshman. If the opportunity comes, I'll showcase my talent."

IAN SAMPLE

Hometown: Washington Township, N.J.

CLASS: SENIOR

Height: 5-10 1/4 "Put that quarter in there."

WEIGHT: 183-188 POUNDS

BENCH PRESS: 225 POUNDS 13 TIMES

Maximum bench: 320 pounds.

40 time: "I've never run it. My brother is always asking me. He's an up-and-comer, and he wants to beat me at everything. I tell him, 'I don't know.' "

Famous relative: Father (Billy Sample) was an outfielder for the Yankees, Rangers and Braves.

Body piercing: "3. I had my nose pierced once. That was a phase thing. I got rid of it."

Tattoos: "Just one on my neck. I'm not going to lie. I stripped down naked, looked in the mirror and tried to figure where it would look best. I guess I didn't have to get naked to realize it would look good on my neck."

FAVORITE ENTERTAINER: JOHN LEGEND

Did you know: "I'm working on my first book. I'm a third of the way done. I work on it every night."

Case for starting: "I'm the best at the X right now. I know the plays the best. (UH 's offense uses four receivers.) I'm not saying I'm the best, but I'm one of the top four."

One of the most extreme competitions has been between fifth-year senior Ian Sample and newcomer Michael Washington at the left wideout position known as the X. Sample is winning the X games, although speedy Washington is closing the gap.