Interview: New School has California CB Jordan Washington Focused on Big Senior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Depending on the scenario, time can be both a blessing and a curse. Stuck in traffic, time is a nightmare. Having fun with friends and family, one can never have enough of it. As true as any cliché one sees on a bumper sticker while stuck in the proverbial nightmare that is traffic, time is of the essence for all because we are always running out of it. The thought is true for any senior class with ground left to cover and time to make up, especially for senior to-be Jordan Washington.

Every year student-athletes entering their senior year of high school that have not had the lightbulb turn on yet suddenly have a realization – it is now or never. In the case of young Mr. Washington, in his own words, “I did not apply myself as much as I should have last year.” A change in focus, along with a change in schools, puts the past in the rearview mirror with tunnel vision on a standout senior season.

During the 2016 season, Washington suited up for Serra High School. The Cavaliers posted a 7-4 season without Washington on the field as much as he had hoped. The 2017 season brings a renewed sense of optimism playing for a Cathedral High School squad that posted an 11-1 record on the field a year ago. With the Phantoms, Washington is penciled in as a starter at corner with additional time expected at receiver.

The talent and athleticism is there for Washington, bolstered by a second season playing 7v7 ball with Serra, all-star squad B2G, and with Cathedral this summer after his transfer. The 5-11, 174 pound, prospect has a leg up on most of his peer group ready to answer the senior call with interest from Utah, Fresno State, Wyoming, Southern Utah, New Mexico, and Northern Arizona. A breakout senior year is sure to turn interest into offers.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the Los Angeles area talent covering his off-season workouts, camp performances, and his determination to have a big senior year.

Interview

Jordan, what all have you been working on this off-season?

“I’ve been working this off-season on locking down the corner spot and working on my technique. I’ve been working on polishing my game. I don’t want anyone to stop me playing receiver and I want to go up against any receiver in the nation and hold my own.”

Did you play 7v7 ball this spring?

“Yes, sir. I was on a passing league team with B2G. Before I transferred, I played with Serra on Wednesdays and after my transfer I’ve played with Cathedral. We have won four tournaments in a row.”

How did playing 7v7 ball grow your game?

“It helped me a lot. It helped me grow as a player and helped me lock in on receivers. The more I played in front of coaches, I started getting more college looks. That gave me a chance to show my talents. All of it helped my game get better with experience.”

Did you attended any camps this off-season?

“Yes, sir. I went to an Azusa Pacific camp, USC’s Rising Stars Camp, and the UCLA Elite Camp. I want to attend a Washington State camp (Thursday) but I don’t’ think I will be able to make it.”

Of all the camps, which camp did you turn in your best performance?

“I think the UCLA one was my best. “Coach Meet” (Demetrice Martin – defensive backs coach) said he really liked me. He said he thought I could be one of the DBs offered. No balls were caught on me at that camp. I picked three off during that camp.”

With all the extra work put into fine-tuning your skillset entering in to your senior year, what are the strong points of your game?

“My strong points are focusing on the receiver knowing how they play the game. As a corner, I know how a receiver thinks and what they are looking for. Playing receiver, catching the ball. My speed is good and I have great vision catching the ball.”

Which schools are showing interest in you?

“Utah, New Mexico, Northern Arizona, Fresno State, and Wyoming is showing a little interest. Fresno State, Utah, and Southern Utah have talked to me the most.”

Do you play any other varsity sports?

“Track.”

Which events?

“The 100, 200, and 4×1.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.2.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No. I am taking it next month.”

Let’s look ahead to the 2017 season. When does the team start fall camp?

“We just finished summer school. We have one week off and are back on Aug. 1. That is when we get our equipment. We are in helmets for a couple of days and then in full gear after that. Our first game is on Aug. 25 verses Santa Fe. We scrimmage on Aug. 18 against Venice High School.”

How have you been working with your quarterback to develop chemistry and timing?

“With Bryce Young, he is a great QB. He helped me understand the offense, run my routes better, and showed me how to get open. During fall camp, we will do extra work after practice to develop more chemistry. I will start on defense but I want to make an impact on offense as well.”

How does the team look going into the 2017 schedule?

“We look pretty cool. I think we will go 10-0. Our chemistry grows day by day. We spend a lot of time together. We have some transfers coming in. We will be ready to play this year.”

What will be the strengths of the team?

“Probably the brotherhood we have and how we carry each other. We don’t let a teammate to get down.”

What goals have you set for yourself for your senior year?

“My goal is to pick off every pass that comes my way. I feel like this will be a breakout season for me.”

What is your motivation out on the field?

“I want to make my family proud. I want to be one of the first in my family to go to college. I want to make them proud.”

Jordan, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: @rg9_photos; No. 8 Jordan Washington in 7v7 action (2017)