Interview: 2020 Washington WR Michael Faber is More Than a Big Play Threat for Kentridge
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 season may not have ended the way the Chargers had envisioned, hoisting the 4A Washington championship trophy, but the play on the field for the Kentridge High School team was fierce, especially on offense. The Chargers laid an average of 45 points per games on teams seeing Class of 2020 receiver Michael Faber break onto the scene with 530 yards off 23 receptions with six scores. The 6-2, 186-pound, target flashed his overall athleticism and speed as a big play threat and a tough as nails runner fighting through contact for extra yards. His role for Kentridge will expand during his senior campaign adding safety, kick returner, and Wildcat quarterback to the list of responsibilities… more opportunities to show college coaches what they are missing out on in Faber.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Washington’s best kept secrets on the recruiting trail for an in-depth one-on-one.
Interview
Michael, you developed into a big play threat during the 2018 season. Was that by design or did it just happen to work out that way?
“I think coming off my sophomore year, it was a build off thing. I did well my sophomore year, they knew that within the offense I would be a long play threat because I am a versatile receiver.”
You had really good chemistry with your quarterback last season, how did the two of you develop that in the offseason and throughout the 2018 schedule?
“I knew him before he came to my school. We worked out with each other every day, morning and in team workouts. We bonded as good friends, that helped us on the field too. We played 7v7 as a school team, that helped too.”
The offense was unrelenting averaging 45 points per game. How were you used within the offense and how does the offense fit your skillset?
“It filled it well. We were a big passing offense. Being a receiver, we did a lot of deep passes. If there was a streak called, I knew there was a chance I could get the ball. We threw more screens towards the end of the season and did more with the catch and run plays.”
You have a throwback tight end mentality when with your yards after the catch, you are tough to bring down. What are the other overall strengths to your game?
“I can go up and get the ball. I am a pretty good route runner and if the ball touches my hands, I will catch it. I have strong hands. I am good at fighting for the ball against a defensive back.”
Are you staying at outside receiver in 2019 or will we see you in multiple positions and different roles?
“I will be playing defense, kick returner, and all the receiver positions. I might play some Wildcat QB too.”
Are you excited about new roles especially on offense? Seems like a great chance to showcase your overall athleticism.
“Yes. I am really excited. It will be a good season. I am excited for it.”
What are you working on this spring?
“I play 7v7 with Heir Football, I workout doing strength and condition three times, and I workout four times a week with my team to build strength and agility.”
How is playing with Heir Football on the 7v7 circuit helping take your game to the next level?
“I think it is helping a lot. I love the receivers’ coach, Courtney Taylor. He helps me personally on what I can work on, and he is not afraid to tell me what I need to do to get better. With 7v7, when we play in different states we are playing some of the best corners and defensive backs in the nation. That makes me better working against harder opponents.”
How have the tournaments gone for you?
“Really well. I started playing for (team) Black. The QB is using me more. They are calling more plays highlighting me. I am doing more and becoming a main target on the team.”
Are you going to any camps this offseason?
“Yes. This Sunday, I am going to the Avery Strong Showcase. With college camps, I am going to a Portland State camp, Simon Frazier, Oregon State again and Eastern Washington.”
Which schools are showing interest ahead of all the camps?
“I am receiving interest from Wyoming, Eastern Washington, Central Washington, Simon Frazier, Dakota Wesleyan, Southwest Minnesota State, Montana State, and Portland State.”
Have you visited any schools on an unofficial?
“Yes. I have been to Simon Frazier, UCLA, Washington, and I am going to Central Washington in two weeks.”
How did the Washington trip go?
“It was good. It was a general visit. We saw all the facilities.”
What about UCLA, how did that go?
“It was really cool. I liked it a lot. They showed us the facilities, I tried on the jersey, and they took pics. It was fun.”
Back to your athletics at Kentridge. Are you competing in any other varsity sports?
“Yes. Track.”
Which events?
“I used to compete in pole vault, I don’t know if I will do that this season. I compete in the javelin and I will start the sprints this year.”
Which sprints?
“The 100, 200, and 4×1.”
Nice. Michael, it was great getting time in with you today. I appreciate it.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Faber family; Michael Faber at UCLA and Washington