ASHBURN, Va. — Fish Smithson still can't get the number 427 out of his head.
Being a teammate of Washington Redskins running back Samaje Perine is one constant reminder.
Smithson was a safety for Kansas in November 2014 when Oklahoma's Perine rushed for an NCAA record 427 yards that still stands today.
"I remember him running all over us," Smithson said.
Three years later, a season-ending injury to Rob Kelley has thrust Perine into the role of the No. 1 back for Washington. Perine has 66 carries for 210 yards through nine games but will be expected to pick up that pace starting Sunday at the New Orleans Saints.