Interview: 4-Star 2022 Oregon ATH/LB Lamar Washington is Racking Up Offers in Two Sports

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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Being an overall athlete transitions from one sport to another, especially with the required physical rigors in the melting pot that is football. Players competing in track, wrestling, weight lifting, baseball, and especially basketball can find a niche in football with an athletic foundation set. Living proof of dramatic success as a high-achieving talent in one sport crossing over to another on a comparable platform is Lamar Washington.

Oregon 6A offenses could not prepare ahead for what was coming from the Democrats in 2019; how could they, there was no film on Washington with pads on, only reel of him as a basketball player. Once suited up with Jefferson High School, the coaches put their super athletic sophomore at middle linebacker seeing the 6-4, 210-pound, go to town. In stats posted from six games, Washington compiled a stat line of 42 tackles, 25 solo, 11.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and picked off two passes.

Becoming a hot new commodity, college football programs started lining up to drop offers. So far eight have been dropped to play at the next level on the gridiron. The same love for the four-star’s abilities on the field are also seen on the hardwood with nine scholarships in-hand.

With Oregon’s 2020 season rescheduled to begin in March, Washington has taken to the extended offseason to push his talents to another level while playing catch-up on better understanding the game and defensive schemes. To talk about it all, Washington stopped by the RNG Lab for an initial Q&A interview.

Interview

Lamar, Jefferson’s defense was a high-pressure in your face unit during the 2019 season with you in the middle. What scheme were you guys running and how would you describe the way you guys executed the defense?

We blitz a lot and go all out. Our defense has a lot of dogs. We executed well because we had so many athletes. It was hard to beat us.

Looks like you were doing a little bit of everything last year, dropping back into coverage, filling lanes, and doing delayed blitzes. In your own words, how were your athletic talents being utilized?

Coming from basketball it was a change. I was blitzing, dropping in coverage, and using my quickness and size to make plays. It was natural.

Am I understanding you correctly, last year was your first football season after playing basketball?

I started playing football in first grade, stopped, and last year was my first year back playing in a while. Let me think… yeah, I did not play football my ninth, eighth, or seventh grade year.

Even more impressive knowing what you did on the field in 2019.

Thank you.

Once your sophomore campaign ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a linebacker?

Tackling, blitzing, and I had more of the footwork down by the end of the season. As the season went on, I was wrapping up and was better at tackling instead of giving a shoulder to the running back. I was also better at reading the offense and my coverage got better also.

What have you been working on as a defender over the spring and summer months?

This offseason I have been studying, working on my footwork, and improving my strength. I have worked to understand defenses more than anything.

Which positions will you be playing once the 2020 season gets going?

Outside linebacker and receiver.

Are you excited about playing receiver this season?

Very excited.

A minute ago, you mentioned that you were working to add more strength to your skills, what workouts have you been doing to accomplish that?

I have been going to the gym a lot. I have been doing a lot of weight lifting, push-ups, and ban workouts. At least four times a week I am lifting.

How have you worked to increase your speed and agility?

I do a lot of footwork drills and twice a week I am doing cone and ladder drills. I have been running sprints and running miles.

Before we wrap, let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are now showing recruiting interest?

Colorado, Boise State, and Notre Dame.

How many offers have been extended to you?

Eight.

Washington’s Offer Sheet: Cal, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon State, UCLA, USC, and Utah State

Once campuses open back up, are there any visits you’d like to take?

As of right now, I’d like to visit USC.

When is the 2020 season set to pick back up in Oregon?

In March.

When are they bringing everyone back to start practicing again?

Our first practice is in February.

With this extended time to prepare, what do you want to accomplish this fall and winter?

My goal is to be one of the best all-time two-sport athletes in Oregon.

Basketball is your other sport, right?

Yes, sir.

Do you have offers and interest in basketball?

Yes, I have nine basketball offers.

Which schools are some of the ones that have already offered you a basketball scholarship?

Washington State, Oregon State, Pepperdine, Pacific, and Montana.

Lamar, congratulations on all the success thus far in your high school career in both sports. Wishing you continued success this offseason as you work to achieve your dreams.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: Washington family; Lamar Washington