Interview: 4-Star 2022 Oregon LB Lamar Washington is Ready for Another Big Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The helmet pop heard around the world will take place in March when the 2020 high school football season gets going in Oregon. The pop that will reverberate nationwide will be coming from 6-4, 215-pound, Class of 2022 linebacker Lamar Washington. The four-star Jefferson High School standout has worked overtime on his game this offseason ready to unleash his improved athleticism and skills on 6A offenses. Beyond seeing his athletic talents on the hardwood, where he holds nine offers, college coaches may get to see more of Washington during the schedule at receiver.
Stopping by the Lab, Washington sat down for another detailed RNG interview.
*Click link for Sept. 2020 RNG interview with Lamar Washington
Interview
Lamar, we last caught up back in the fall then going over your offseason workouts. If you will, update us on how you have been preparing for the 2020 season in the weight room this winter.
I’ve been doing the same workout routine, but I have changed it up some. Since then, I have been working more on my hips and the little stuff. I have been working on the little stuff to make the big impact. Working on my hips and hamstrings, for example with squats, I will go down for three seconds, hold it, and then go up. I’ve been doing similar stuff with my single-leg workouts.
What are some of the drills and exercises you are doing to boost your top end speed and agility?
I have been doing track workouts. My trainer is a track guy. He has me doing the 100, 200, 400, running hills, on the field, and 40 yards sprints. For my agility, I have been jumping rope and doing the ladders.
As that outside linebacker that loves to get after it on the field, what have you been working on with your technique in preparation for the upcoming season?
I have been working on my get off and using my hands more. Last year I did not use my hands as much. There has been a great focus on technique this offseason.
The Jefferson coaches were wanting your skills on offense at receiver, is that still happening?
Might be, I’m not for sure yet. Hopefully. I hope to play more receiver this year.
How have you worked that part of your game this offseason?
I have always run routes, did a lot of routes in practice. This offseason I lost weight and gotten faster; that’s why they are thinking of putting me at receiver this season.
When the 2020 season gets going in March, what are a couple of things you are ready to showcase to all of Oregon and college football coaches across the country?
My athleticism, how much stronger and quicker I am. I want to show that I am a better overall player on both sides of the ball. Last season I did not play offense, I want to show that I can score. I want to show all that.
Which programs are showing interest ready to see your 2020 season?
The same ones as before, Colorado, Boise State, and Notre Dame.
Where is the offer total?
I have eight offers.
Washington’s Football Offers: Cal, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon State, UCLA, USC, and Utah State
When visits are allowed again, are there any schools you’d like to go see?
Yes. I want to visit Cal, UCLA, USC, and Oregon State for sure. They are all showing me a lot of interest.
You are also a standout in basketball, how are your skills coming along on the hardwood?
Real well. I have become a better all-around athlete. I am dunking with ease and my defense is so much better. After my offseason workouts, I am opening up my hips better, sliding my feet quicker, and taking off quicker.
When does the basketball season start in Oregon?
Right after football season, I want to say sometime in May, maybe June.
You were holding nine offers on the hardwood back in September, how many do you have now?
Nine.
Which schools are showing interest?
Arkansas and UCLA.
Lamar, it was great getting time in with you today. Keep up the hard work this offseason.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Washington family; Lamar Washington