Interview: 2021 Rancho Cucamonga WR Elijah Wash is Ready to Take Over
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After watching Elijah Wash and talking to him, one gets the idea quickly that this is just the beginning. Rancho Cucamonga’s Class of 2021 slot receiver was able to do the near impossible in 2019, standout with a 1,300-yard and 1,200-yard receiver on the roster in Jayden Dixon and Silas Bolden. Catching passes from the second-best rated pro-style quarterback in the 2020 class in CJ Stroud, Wash (5-8, 150) worked the middle and outside of the field for the Cougars hauling in 22 passes for 300-plus yards with five touchdowns helping his squad to a 9-4 finish against Division 1/2 California competition earning Baseline All-League honorable mention. With Dixon and Bolden matriculating to the next level, the 2020 season will be Wash’s time to take over.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising California slot receiver covering his play on the field and focus this offseason.
Interview
Elijah, the Cougars had a great season making a three-game run into the CIF Southern Section Playoffs. What was that experience like for you getting to collide against more great teams in the postseason?
“For me, it was a blessing all in all. Playing with guys like CJ Stroud, Jayden Dixon, and Silas Bolden gave me a dog mentally. When we had a receiver go down, CJ said to me ‘you need to step up.’ I have been blessed to be in this position; the playoffs taught me a lot. I am ready for the task at hand.”
Lining up in the slot, you worked the field on the inside and outside. What were some of the routes you were running within the Spread?
“In the Spread at the slot, I was running corners, seams, quick outs, digs, corner posts and double moves in the red zone. I was a 3-4 option in the offense.”
How did your route running improve this season?
“My route running improved with Coach Rob from Rharebreed and my dad. I was taking the little things from the receivers in front of me on the team in practice. I was staying after practice with Jayden Dixon and the guys working on my routes trying to get better.”
Which other areas of your game took a step forward on offense in 2019?
“Catching the ball in traffic. I had a ball against Norco that I caught, that skyrocketed by confidences. CJ has always been in my head giving me confidence that we would do big things.”
You have mentioned him a couple of times already – you had a unique opportunity to work with one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in CJ Stroud. How did the time with him help you grow as an offensive player?
“The time with CJ helped tremendously knowing what I have to do on the field. Being young and my first year on varsity playing with other national recruits, that helped my game a lot. I have known CJ for a couple of years now. He has come by the house to talk and we talk on the phone working to build that bond. On game day we would go over the routes against that defense to prepare. He is a great leader, and it showed on the field.”
You mentioned Rharebreed, are you playing 7v7 ball with them this spring?
“Yes.”
What kind of training are you doing with Coach Rob and Rharebreed?
“Training with Rharebreed, we are working on all body development, lifting weights, running on the treadmill and on the field, and a lot of footwork. I am doing bench, squats, and power clean working to get bigger. Improving my overall skill set is my focus.”
How are they helping you take your game to another level with all the training?
“It is helping me get ready for my senior year. I am getting bigger, faster, and stronger for my senior year.”
It may be too soon to know, but which positions might you play in 2020?
“I am looking to play DB or nickel – I can play nickel and corner on defense. I played defense before, but I play differently on defense. It is fun for me.”
You mentioned your skillset work this offseason, what specifically will you work on in that area?
“This offseason I am working on my hands, route running, and getting my size and speed up. I am running track with Coach Bolden and with Rharedbreed running the hills and on the treadmill. I am also working with my dad, Coach Wash out of Etiwanda High School.”
Elijah, it was fun covering all this ground with you today. I’m excited to see how all the offseason workouts help you during your senior season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Elijah Hernandez; No. 9 Elijah Wash