COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- With Tony Temple gone, sophomore Derrick Washington quickly staked his claim on top of the running back depth chart for Missouri during spring practices. It is a job he hasn't given up as the No. 6 Tigers prepare for Saturday's opener against No. 20 Illinois in St. Louis.

Washington will be the featured back against the Illini. He admits to a little nervousness as the nationally-televised game approaches.

"I'm sure I'm going to be nervous because I can already feel the game-time jitters," Washington said Thursday. "But once I go in there and get hit or make a big play, I think that will all go away."

Temple ended a stellar Missouri career on a high note, setting a Cotton Bowl record with 281 rushing yards in Missouri's 38-7 win over Arkansas. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards each of the past two seasons.

Washington admits that he might be known initially as the "guy who replaces Tony Temple."

"I've been hearing that a lot lately and I understand it because Tony was a great back, but it's time for me and Jimmy Jackson and De'Vion Moore to shine now," Washington said.

Washington was used sparingly during his freshman year, rushing for 184 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries after having his redshirt lifted in the third game of 2007. He also had 10 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is one aspect in which Washington has separated himself from Jackson and Moore.

Coach Gary Pinkel expects big things from Washington and the other young backs, who will need to provide balance for the Chase Daniel-led passing game.

"I think we are fortunate to have three different backs and he (Washington) is the best of the best," Pinkel said. "I'm really excited about him and I think we have only seen a glimpse of what he can do."

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)