Interview: 2018 Cathedral CB/ATH Jordan Washington Covers Season and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Year after year, Cathedral High School finds a way to double-digit wins under head coach Kevin Pearson. The delicate mix of molding young talent with experienced upperclassmen is balanced out to precision posting a record of 32-3 over the past three seasons. The Phantoms were once again one of the top teams in their division in 2017 fielding a roster with that blend of rising stars and senior leadership. One of the seniors that helped pave the way for success this year was cornerback and kick return specialist Jordan Washington.

Washington was a leader in the secondary coming up with 26 tackles, 14 solo, with a fumble recovery, six passes defended and tied for the team-high in interceptions with three in stats posted through 10 games. The 6-0, 182 pound, athlete was explosive on special teams taking five kicks back the other way for an estimated 364 yards with two scores posted on the board.

In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up stylized interview, I sat down with Washington covering his breakout season with the Phantoms after transferring over from JSerra getting a run down on game action and his recruiting process.

Interview

Jordan, how did the 2017 season go for you on the field?

“It went great. Towards the end of the season, I was playing even better with the experience I was gaining. I played my heart out and succeeded in what I was supposed to do. I got the job done.”

How did you improve upon your skills throughout the season?

“By watching film. I watched a lot of game film seeing what my weaknesses were so I could improve. The little things matter more than the big things. By watching game film on the other teams, I was able to read offenses really well. Knowing how their offensive line gets up and gets down, I got better at my pre-snap and post-snap reads. My cover skills improved a lot. I started to understand offenses better and our defense. We ran Cover 3 a lot. I learned how to cheat it a little bit and by playing down I could make more plays. I am faster than others, I can rally to the ball to help my safety.”

Which game was your best?

“Redlands Eastland Valley (Nov. 10). It was my best personally. Everything was on the line in the playoffs. I played my heart out. I had my best stats, I had three passes broken up and two game saving tackles. On kick return, I made an impact.”

Which receiver and/or quarterback challenged you this year?

“The biggest challenge was in practice going against my receivers and Bryce Young (quarterback). As compared to the teams we played against, skillset wise Bryce and our receivers gave me more to go against than they did.”

How did you get better for that challenge?

“When Bryce would look me off, he knows how to look away and freeze you. You have to be more patient with the play against a quarterback like Bryce. My receivers are quick and fast. I was used to that in practice which made it easier going up against other teams.”

Is there an area of your game that you feel gets overlooked?

“My ball skills.”

Is there a part of your game you did not get to showcase to the fullest this season?

“My abilities playing receiver on offense.”

Have you started an offseason workout program yet?

“Yes, sir. I’m working with Premium and Elite Athletes, getting back to the mental part of the game and sharpening my technique getting ready for college.”

What are you focusing on this offseason with your workouts?

“The speed of my backpedal, knowing when to get out of my breaks, and being more patient.”

Are you playing any other varsity sports for Cathedral this winter or spring?

“Yes, sir. I’m running track.”

Which events?

“The 100, 200, and 4×1, and possibly long jump.”

Wow. That’s a lot of events. How is everything going in the classroom?

“My GPA, after this semester, will go up to a 3.2 overall.”

What is your best score on the ACT or SAT?

“My best score on the SAT was 980.”

Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Cal Poly, Eastern Washington, Southern Utah, Northern Arizona – a lot of Big Sky schools.”

As we near the holiday season, is there a Christmas movie or tradition you have that you have that makes the holiday Christmas for you?

“Going over to my God-mom’s house watching movies. After that, we go eat at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles.”

That sounds like fun. Last question, getting back to football and recruiting. For coaches out there that may read this and then start recruiting you, what kind of player are they getting if they pursue you?

“A player that won’t stop, won’t quit, and plays with heart. A player wanting to get on the field to help his team. A player who wants to win.”

Well said. Jordan, thanks for your time today. Good luck on the recruiting trail and have a merry Christmas.

“Thank you.”

Photo credits: Pasadena Star-News; No. 8 Jordan Washington in action