Interview: 2020 Arkansas DE Rashad Muhammad Talks Playoff Football and Memphis Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Suiting up for North Little Rock High School brings a certain dedication to the game and carries a badge of honor with it. The Charging Wildcats finished the 2017 season 13-0 winning a 7A Arkansas state title earning a No. 7 national ranking from MaxPreps in the process. That winning streak has continued to 23 games behind an offense posting 39 points per game and a shutdown defense limiting the opposition to 19 points. One of the leaders on the defense is Class of 2020 defensive lineman Rashad Muhammad.
Muhammad has been a fixture on the Wildcats defense putting all 6-2, 250-pounds, of his work, determination, and effort into his play on the field. Lining up at end in NLR’s 3-4 scheme, he eats up offensive linemen collapsing the pocket and stopping running backs on contact that cross his path. Word is just starting to get out on Muhammad along the recruiting trail with Louisiana Tech, Arkansas, and Memphis showing interest.
Ahead of the Wildcats opening playoff game against Fort Smith Southside and after a weekend unofficial visit to Memphis, I sat down with one of the rising stars in the Natural State covering Muhammad’s play on the field and visit to Memphis.
Interview
Rashad, North Little Rock had a target on the back all season after winning a state title in 2017 but have been able to play above the noise finishing the regular season with a perfect record. From the start of the season through the first 10 games, what has been the mindset of the team in games and in practice?
“We had to keep looking forward and not look back. Our coaches have been telling us to take it one game at a time. We hit every day, we go full-pads and full-speed every day. Other teams are in shells, but that will not get you any better.”
The team was tested early against Washington (Tulsa) and against Bryant, how did those close games help push the team forward?
“Coach (Jamie) Mitchell (head coach) always talks about embracing the hard times and sticking together. In the Washington game, we were down 14 with five minutes left. We had to stick together to come away with the win (29-28).”
Which game this season has been your best, and why do you consider that game to be your best?
“I think the first game against Washington was my best. I had over eight tackles, two or three sacks, and I had a lot of tackles for a loss. I showed up in the fourth quarter when my team needed me.”
Which game was the toughest or most challenging for you?
“Evangel Christian (Shreveport, LA).”
What did the Eagles offense do that presented a challenge?
“Their offense was difficult to defend and they have good sized offensive linemen.”
How did playing through that challenge help make you a better player?
“It showed me what I had to work on to get better. I saw that I needed to get off the ball quicker, have better use of my hands, and use some new moves. It also showed me how I stack up against one of the best in the nation.”
It looks like the Wildcats run a 3-4 scheme with you playing end, how does that scheme and position fit what you do well on the field?
“They use me at the 4-tech going against the tackle. It is easy for me to get off the ball against tackles. Going against the run, we read the guards and go where they go. The defense suits me well.”
The coaches call stunts for you guys up front mixing things up, what moves do you use to get to the quarterback or to the ball carrier?
“I use the pull and go, a swim move, or a spot pass rush. I also use a stutter step to get the tackle off balance. I also like to use the chop down to get their hands off of me.”
How has your game improved throughout the season?
“My biggest improvement has been with my stats. Towards the middle of the season, we were getting taken out at halftime so my stats slowed, but I had a big game against Catholic. I think I had three sacks and six tackles. Overall, my get off has improved a lot and I am quicker reading offenses.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“Louisiana Tech, they are sending mail every week, Memphis, Arkansas, and UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) are also showing interest.”
You visited Memphis on Saturday, how did the visit go?
“It was good. They showed me a lot of love during the visit. The game was a good one. It was fun to watch, with a lot of big plays.”
What all did you do during your visit?
“Before the game, we played on the game system in recruitment room and then went down to the field to watch them warm up. I go to talk to Coach (Scott) Symons (linebackers) some as well.”
Looking to Friday. The Wildcats got a bye in the opening round of the playoffs and now face Southside (Fort Smith). What kind of showdown are you expecting from the Mavericks’ (6-5) offense and defense?
“We are expecting them to not give up and to play hard. It will not be easy. We ran the score up on them last time, but it will not be as easy this time.”
Rashad, I appreciate your time today and good luck on Friday.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Muhammad family; Rashad Muhammad at Memphis
Photo credit: H4 Photography; No. 35 Rashad Muhammad vs. Catholic