Postseason Interview with 2018 California WR Naythan Mulugeta

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Lead Photo Credit: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

Statistics in most sports can paint a picture of productivity leading way to value on the field, but not all stats show true value of a given player. A nose guard in a 3-4 rarely puts up numbers eating up offensive linemen for linebackers to show out. A true cover corner hardly gets tested leaving goose eggs for interceptions and passes broken up. Same can be true for receivers in scheme specific offense, but that does not depreciate the value or abilities of the wide out – such is the story of Naythan Mulugeta’s senior season at Venice High School.

The Gondoliers entered fall practice with high hopes after Luca Diamont’s breakout freshman season in the pocket a year ago. An off the field injury kept Diamont off the gridiron in 2017 putting the load on senior receiver Dion Moore to produce in the pocket. Moore played well completing 64 percent of his passes, hitting 125-of-197 for 1,822 yards with 20 touchdowns tossed and fan for a team-high 516 yards with another team-high eight touchdowns. Brycen Tremayne was the leading receiver for Gondoliers with 44 passes caught for 847 yards and 14 scores posted. All-purpose back Justin Cauley ran for 511 yards and five scores while pulling in 29 passes for 263 yards with two more trips into the end zone.

Mulugeta emerged as a top receiver for Venice securing nine passes for 147 yards with a score in stats that are posted through just seven games. The route running, speed, and hands are there, but one overlooked on the field ability that greatly increased during his senior season was run blocking. Venice ran the ball 233 times through 10 games giving all receivers a chance to work on their blocking, an opportunity to improve and increase playing time that was not lost on Mulugeta; as the old saying goes, “if you do not block, you do not get the rock.”

Early interest in the 6-2, 185 pound, receiver was coming in from Utah, Washington State, and Montana State. An early offer was presented from Northwestern College (Iowa) supplemented by scholarships from Hastings College and Clarke University. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Mulugeta covering his senior season with an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Naythan, how did your senior season go on the field?

“My season did not go as expected but I did all that I could. I improved my run blocking, showed up in practice making big plays, and stepped it up on defense. I was in position to do anything I could to help my team win.”

Which areas of your game saw the most growth?

“My character on the field. I didn’t get as frustrated as I used to if I missed on making a play or on an opportunity. My route running, and understanding of how to do that through different defenses, improved. As mentioned, my run blocking improved a lot. Last year I did not focus as much on blocking, I did not see how important it really is until this year. Now, I’ve noticed a big difference in my game. Now I am always able to make plays on the field even if I am touching the ball.”

Which game was your best this season?

“I’d say, even though we lost, I came up big in the Fairfax game. I had two or three incredible catches that helped us drive downfield. I noticed the less pressure I put on myself, the more I was able to make plays. I was able to have fun, the loss took that away, but I was able to make big plays in the Fairfax game. Another one was the Palisades game. I blocked really well in that game, I opened up a lot of holes in the run game.”

Looking back, what are you most proud of with an accomplishment on the field?

“I am most proud of not complaining about not getting the ball because our starting quarterback got hurt. I had to step up in the blocking game because we became more of a running team. Another thing, being a competitor every game and on every snap. Improving my route running and being able to separate from defenders.”

What are your offseason workout plans and goals?

“I want to gain about 10 to 15 pounds of muscle. I do want to get faster and improve my versatility.”

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

“If I am bored, I might play baseball.”

Which schools are showing the most interest now but have not offered?

“I’ve talked to Eastern Washington and Shorter University.”

Which schools have offered you?

“Hastings College, Northwestern (Iowa), and Clarke University.”

Do you have any planned visits set?

“I’m taking an official to Northwestern in January. If Eastern Washington offers me, I will take an official there in January as well.”

When the time comes for you to find a next level fit that is best for you, which factors will influence that final decision?

“My favorite question so far, I want a school that focuses on academics as much as athletics. When it comes down to football, I want coaches that treat me like family. I want a coaching staff that treats all the players the same. I want to feel like I am improving more and more each day. I want teammates that play together, on a team that feels like a brotherhood. And, I want to win games.”

Naythan, thanks for your time today and good luck on the recruiting trail going forward.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; team captain No. 2 Naythan Mulugeta