Update Interview with 2021 Washington OC/NG Maliq Washington
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Football is won in the trenches and Maliq Washington is doing everything he can to make sure his team picks up the “W”. When Curtis High School (1-2) is on offense, Washington (5-11, 260) anchors the line at center and then flips the field blowing up centers and guards at nose guard. Washington ended his sophomore season with 30 tackles, four sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, and forced a fumble. He has started the 2019 season with seven stops and a forced fumble in three games while pancaking seven defenders on offense.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the Tacoma (WA) area product to see how his junior season has kicked off after picking up a big win Friday night.
*Click link for June 1, 2019, RNG interview with Maliq Washington
Interview
Maliq, how has the 2019 season started out for you in the trenches?
“It has started out pretty well. I have been physical and I have been working on my craft with my teammates, helping them get better. We have come together as a group. We have committed to being physical and mobile so our quarterback has a chance to get the ball to our skill players. It has been a good season for us so far.”
What did you work on over the summer to prepare for your junior season on offense?
“I mostly worked on my footwork with different teammates of mine. I worked on the footwork for playing guard as well so my coach can move me to guard if needed. I worked a lot on my hand placement, that is important to me.”
On the other side of the ball, what did you work on with your game?
“I worked on my hands, especially using my hands to get off the defender. I worked on my bull rush – that is my No. 1 move. I worked on rips and getting into the A gap and holding that down.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements three games into the year on offense?
“My biggest improvement has been being more aggressive on the line. In the trenches, I am getting after it game after game. My technique is improving. I am using my footwork and moving around getting to linebackers easily. I am seeing the blitz pre-snap and communication with my teammates.”
And on defense?
“I am seeing it with my tackling, my vision, and when I am standing up the center. I am looking into the backfield, I can track him down easily. I’m also not going too far back in the backfield.”
The Vikings got a big 21-15 win over South Kitsap last night. How did the offense look in the win?
“We looked good and we looked physical. We all played together, we were getting after it. The offense looked good. We put our head down and went through the grind. Our quarterback did well, our running back always runs well, and the receivers are doing a great job.”
What are some of the other marquee games left on the schedule you guys are hyped to play?
“We have one next week against Sumner. The Graham-Kapowsin game is another big one.”
Last question. Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“Portland State is showing interest. I am going on a game day visit there sometime this season.”
Maliq, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you luck until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Washington family; Maliq Washington at Portland State