Kingjack Washington, Missouri State University’s starting tailback last season, will sit out the 2009 season as he works to restore his academic eligibility and pursue his degree in sociology, the University announced today.   Bears' head coach Terry Allen said Washington (5-10, 177, Jr., Owasso, Okla.) could return to the team in 2010 with the potential of two remaining years of eligibility. However, he noted his priorities for Washington this season are to provide him the time and resources to be successful after football.   "Our top priority is to graduate student-athletes," said Allen. "Kingjack now understands more than ever how important that is for his future. His decision to commit the upcoming year to his studies demonstrates that he is determined to get back on track to achieve that goal."   Although available to practice and condition this season with the Bears, Washington will not be eligible to participate in games.   "After a lot of discussions with my family and my coaches, it became clear that the main thing on my priority list right now should be academics," said Washington. "Looking down the road to life after football, I understand how important a degree is and how I need to take advantage of the opportunity I have here at Missouri State. I'm grateful for that chance and will use this year to get my situation back in order."   Washington rushed for a team-best 641 yards with three touchdowns as a sophomore last season.  As a true freshman in 2007, he compiled 674 rushing yards with five touchdowns while being named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer team.   Junior Stephen Johnston, who was second on the squad in rushing last season, now emerges as the team's probable starting running back. He and fellow returnees Miguel Warren and Jonathan Davis will likely shoulder much of the Missouri State rushing load, along with versatile quarterback Cody Kirby who scored nine rushing touchdowns a season ago while accumulating 213 yards on the ground.   Allen's fourth season as the Missouri State head coach gets underway on September 5 when his Bears open the season against the University of Arkansas in a game to be played in Little Rock.