Overlooked Speedy 2019 California WR Kalani Washington Covers Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
La Habra High School was a passing machine during the 2018 season thanks to Class of 2019 receiver Kalani Washington and Class of 2020 athlete Clark Phillips. The duo paired with junior quarterback Ryan Zanelli on a unit that averaged 35 points per game working against tough Division II California competition. Despite all the production on the field, the proven skillset, speed, and athleticism, Washington remains one of the Golden State’s most overlooked talents as we near National Signing Day.
Washington has been that guy for the Highlanders over the past two seasons willing to step into any role asked of him. As a junior, he secured 25 passes for 461 yards with four scores, ran the rock 15 times for 274 yards with three more touchdowns, and took back six kicks for 171 yards breaking an 82-yarder. The 5-9, 180-pound, athlete was limited to six games during his senior year but still averaged five receptions a game, 69 receiving yards each contest, and one score per game.
Offers have come in for Washington from Stetson, Dixie State, and Columbia with recruiting interest getting serious from programs like San Diego State, Washington State, Idaho, and Eastern Washington.
To learn about it all, I caught up with Washington for an in-depth one-on-one going over his senior year and recruiting prospects.
*Click link for June 27, 2018, RNG video interview with Kalani Washington
Interview
Kalani, where did you see the biggest improvements in your overall game during the 2018 season?
“I feel like the season showcased my hands and my route running. I showed I can go up and make plays on the outside beyond being a running back and/or just a slot receiver. I showed that I a more than just a running back.”
How were your skills utilized within the Highlanders offense in 2018?
“With our quarterback Ryan Zanelli, Clark (Phillips) and I were the deep threats. We forced the defensive backs to guard both of us. They were in a lose-lose situation as defenders if they tried to double-team one of us. We ran a lot of vertical routes, deep post routes to a bigger vertical scheme. Most defensive backs are not keeping up with me on speed running downfield. We also ran a lot of out routes and digs. We did not run a lot of screens this year, pretty much everything was going vertical.”
Which game during your senior year was your best and why do you consider that to be your best game?
“I’d say the Sunny Hills game was probably my best. I showcased my route running in that game really well.”
With your high school career finished, what are the strengths to your game as a receiver?
“My strengths are my versatility, I am very athletic, and I am a bully when it comes to blocking. I can go up and get it – people underestimate me because of my size on 50-50 balls. I am fast and I am a dog when the ball is in the air.”
What have you been working on this offseason?
“I have been working on a lot of strength building, mobility work, and getting my hips, ankles, and shoulders loose. I have been working in Portland, Oregon, for the past eight days with a professional trainer who helps NFL players get ready for the draft. I have been training harder than I ever have to get ready for college.”
You have the three offers from Columbia, Dixie State, and Stetson, which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?
“I am receiving interest from Idaho, San Diego State, Eastern Washington, Washington State, and Weber State.”
Do you have any planned recruiting visits upcoming?
“I am going to Idaho in January after the dead period. I am not sure on the other visits yet.”
Are you going to participate in any other varsity sports for La Habra going forward?
“Yes. I am running track.”
Which events?
“The 100 and 200.”
Closing out in the classroom. What is your cumulative GPA?
“My GPA this semester was a 3.3. My cumulative is a 2.8.”
What is your best score on the ACT and/or SAT?
“I received a 1230 Super Score on the SAT.”
Nice. Last question. For the college coaches out there who may not be familiar with you, if they were to start recruiting you what type of student-athlete would they be investing in to bring to their 2019 class?
“School is always first for me, that is how I was raised. My mom is a teacher and my grandma was a principle. With football, I come to play. I make plays no matter what and against anyone no matter how big or tall. I give 100 percent on everything I set my mind to on the field.”
Kalani, always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time and wish you good luck with your offseason workouts and upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: La Habra HS; Kalani Washington in action