As programs reached out, blue chip QB Malik Washington stayed focus on season and Maryland
Maryland commit and top 50 quarterback Malik Washington capped a brilliant high school season as he readies for college, even as other programs reached out to check his interest.
TOWSON, Md. — As blue-chip quarterback Malik Washington was in the midst of a perfect season and third straight state title, the Maryland commit heard from other schools.
Penn State, which recruited Washington in the winter and early spring, and Michigan were among them.
For the Severn (Md.) Archbishop Spalding star, his response was poignant.
"I always felt good about my commitment as soon as I made it," the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Washington said. "They can reach out and I'll be respectful and respond, but at the end of the day I know I am good where I am at.
"Michigan had reached out. Penn State reached out a little bit. But I feel good where I'm at. I responded and was respectful, but I let them know I am good where I am at."
Washington committed to Maryland in late June. At the time, Syracuse, UCF and Virginia Tech were his other top choices, but his bond with Terps coach Mike Locksley proved to be the key factor.
The two were close throughout Washington's recruitment, and they continue to speak regularly. The conversation slot comes on Sundays.
"We talk about the games and how they are doing, and how we're doing," Washington said. "Just getting ready to go up there and try to do what I can do."
The impact Washington can have on the offense is at the forefront of the calls.
"We talk about it a lot," Washington said. "There's a lot of plays to be made. I feel pretty good going into it. I feel I will be able to pick it up pretty fast and go from there."
The move to Maryland comes after Washington won his last 16 games at Archbishop Spalding, and three straight MIAA class A titles.
He capped off his career by running for one touchdown and throwing for two in the title game against Owings Mills (Md.) McDonogh. He finished his senior season 151 of 36 for 2,077 yards and 24 touchdowns against three interceptions. He also ran for more than 300 yards and nine touchdowns.
He ends his career with more than 7,000 passing yards, 74 touchdowns, 20 interceptions and 19 rushing touchdowns.
"Magical. Magical, really," he said of three straight state titles. "It's been an amazing ride.
"We did what we had to do every step of the way. I'm just so proud of these dudes."
During his career, Washington developed on the field and in his approach. He was also a very good basketball player and spent off seasons playing high school and AAU basketball, but his focus on football leading up to this season led to him completing 64 percent of his passes.
And Washington said there is one big part of his game that developed.
"Probably the mental aspect of the game," he said. "Breaking stuff down pre-snap, being able to understand the coverages and things like that, which is something I wanted to improve on coming out of my sophomore and junior years. The game kind of slowed down for me a little bit and as a runner, I had to pick it up and I've been able to do that when we needed some plays."
