Interview: Do-Everything Washington ATH/RB Tristian Kwon is Back to Dominate Again in 2017

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The matchup nightmare for opposing Washington defenses in 2016 is back, and hungrier than ever, preparing for another dominating season. Tristian Kwon did not go easy on the opposition on special teams or while playing defense either last year, all adding up to a bunch of restless nights, once again, for teams squaring off against Lincoln High School in 2017.

There was seemingly little Kwon could not do on the field during his junior year. Playing safety, he racked up 23 stops, 14 solo, with two tackles for a loss, one pass defended, and one fumble recovery. His athleticism was truly showcased on special teams taking eight kicks back for 212 yards, with a long of 70-yards, and flipped field position on punt return taking four the other way for 116 yards with a score. Despite all the highlights on defense and special teams, lining up at tailback might have been where Kwon shinned best. He amassed 1,672 yards off 208 totes with 16 trips to the end zone. Proving to be an all-purpose back, he pulled in 12 passes for 231 yards with another score posted through 12 games played.

To say that Kwon is a natural playmaker on the field is a hand on the Bible proclamation. The 6-1, 180 pound, talent was a driving force pushing the Abes to a 9-3 record in 2016 pulling the spotlight to the Tacoma school earning first team All-League at running back and kick returner, first team All-City, and second team All-Area honors. On July 28, a prayer was answered for Kwon after all his hard work receiving his first college offer from Georgetown wowing the Hoyas staff during a camp. Interest is building with Washington, Fresno State, Montana, Cornell, Yale, Penn, Utah, and San Jose State, among others, ready to see his early season highlight reel.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Kwon after he completed his college camp circuit and ahead of his senior season to get the inside scoop on his recruitment and off-season workouts.

Interview

Tristian, last I saw you were showcasing your talents at the Nike Regional in Oakland. How have your off-season workouts gone since then?

“They’ve been going really well. I’ve been working out with the team and getting extra work in before and after practice.”

Comparing yourself to this time last year, how far have you come along both physically and with your skillset?

“I was not born into a football family. After my season last year, I really realized what I needed to do to get better and make myself into a college recruit. I have turned it up and got after it.”

What are the strengths of your game?

“I think I’m versatile. This year I will play receiver, running back, and safety. I’ve done well as a defensive back so far. I want to play safety this season. I’ll be in the slot and of course start at running back.”

What have you been working on this off-season?

“Besides working out with the team, I run a lot of hills. I work out with a trainer too. I do a lot of reaction drills. I’ve been working on my 40, running a lot of 10’s and 20’s too.”

How will the coaches at Lincoln utilize you on offense this year?

“We lost our quarterback from last year, but we have a good one coming in. I think we might be more of a run team this year. I think they will save me some. I’m our long snapper too. I may get around 20 carries or less in each game. In the slot, the coaches will try to get me the ball and stretch the field with the deep ball.”

Did any college coaches come by Lincoln to meet with you in person or to watch you workout this spring?

“We had 5:45 a.m. workouts. At our workouts this spring, we had lots of coaches there. Montana, Montana State, Portland State, Cornell, and Idaho. There were a lot of Big Sky Conference schools, Colgate, Washington, Utah, and Utah State all visited.”

What camps have you attended during the second season?

“The Oakland Nike Regional, Portland State, Georgetown, the Northwest Best, Washington, and Sacramento State. I wanted to go to more individual camps but ended up at more satellite camps. I did not go to that many camps wanting to focus on my team and staying focused on getting work in I need for the season.”

Which camp was your best camp?

“All of them I feel I did well. During the one-on-ones, I did my best at Georgetown. I ran my best 40 at Georgetown too. My vertical was best at the Oakland Regional.”

What 40 time did you post at Georgetown?

“4.5.”

You recently picked up your first offer from Georgetown, how did they offer you?

“I went to the camp and I performed well. The coaches pulled me aside and said as long as my transcript checks out I’d have an offer. I sent them all my information, everything checked out.”

What was it like for you getting that offer?

“It was kind of weird. I have worked really hard for it. It was something that was supposed to happen. Being a good teammate and working to be a better player, I was expecting offers. The offer took off a lot of stress. Honestly, it really makes me want to work even harder. I mean all of this in a very humble way. I have the mindset to work hard and expect a certain outcome. You get out what you put in.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“I went to Portland State and Wazzu (Washington State). All the other visits were to camps.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“Not right now. There are a lot of schools on the east coast I would like to visit. It is hard to do so financially. Right now, I am focused on the season. Maybe during the season, I’ll take my visits then.”

After completing your junior year, what is your cumulative GPA?

“3.65.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the SAT scoring an 1100. I am planning on taking it again.”

Last couple of questions about the upcoming season. Are the Abes looking sharp heading into the 2017 season?

“Honestly, we are looking better than last year. We lost a big lineman and our quarterback, but I have full confidence in my guys up front. I think our defense will be very good this year. We are looking a lot better.”

What goals have you set for the season?

“Personally, last year I was in the mindset for yards and touchdowns. This year, I want to play 100 percent and be the best teammate possible. Everything will come from that. We want a state championship and to win league. When we win our first playoff game, we’ll go from there. One game at a time.

Are there any teams you are eager to play this year?

“We have O’Dea for our first game. They went to the finals last year. They took us out of the playoffs last year (28-20). That will be a good game.”

Tristian, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Tristian Kwon at Oakland Nike Regional

Photo credit: Tacoma Weekly; No. 28 Tristian Kwon breaks off a long run (2016)

Photo credit: Kwon family; Tristian Kwon at Georgetown (July 2017)