Rashid Shaheed

Wide Receiver / Weber State

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Rashid Shaheed:  6’0, 183 and I ran a 4.4 last time.    

Alex Khvatov:  How are you currently preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Rashid Shaheed:  I am just trying to stay on top of my training.  I run a lot.  I was training back home in San Diego.  I was running hills and running drills.  I also had free weights in the garage.    

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Rashid Shaheed:  I ran track.  I ran the 200m, 400m and both relays.  We went to state competitions my sophomore, junior and senior year.  As a senior, I made state finals for 200m and my team qualified for 4x100m relay.  In San Diego, I earned five section titles in 200m and 400m.  I was a San Diego champion during my senior year.      

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Rashid Shaheed:  Kick returner, RB, and receiver.    

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Rashid Shaheed:  A lot of schools were interested in me as a track athlete, but I wanted to focus on football.  Weber State was my only offer.   

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Weber State? 

Rashid Shaheed:  I came on a visit, and coach Hill sold me on Weber State.  We had young talent.  I enjoyed it here on my visit.  I also ran track during last indoor season at Weber State.  I only ran a few races during outdoor season due to lots of restrictions.  I have run the 200m, 100m and 60m indoor in college.   

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career? 

Rashid Shaheed:  As a team, we are three-time Big Sky champions.  We made it to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs my sophomore year and to the semifinals my junior year.  We have had a lot of success and won a lot of games.  During my freshman year, I earned Big Sky all-conference honors and All-American honors as a kick returner.  I did the same thing my sophomore year.  During my junior year, I dealt with a lot of injuries and played in only six games.  I dealt with a shoulder injury the first couple of games.  It kept reoccurring.  Then I suffered a season-ending injury versus Montana. 

Alex Khvatov:  What has it been like coming back from the injury?   

Rashid Shaheed:  It has had a big effect on me.  I was walking on crutches and not being there with my team.  Sitting at home was tough.  I started walking after my surgery.  I have no problems now.  I am back at full strength. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is it like to be a part of a winning football program? 

Rashid Shaheed:  Winning is the name of the game.  Coach Hill instilled that in us.  We have won a lot of games. Success comes from winning. 

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from the Wildcats this upcoming season? 

Rashid Shaheed:  Another Big Sky championship.  We want to get past the quarterfinal in the playoffs.  It is a matter of actually doing it. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Rashid Shaheed:  My main attributes are speed and catching the ball with my hands.  I have a good catching radius and I am a deep threat.  I also have the knowledge of the game.    

Alex Khvatov:  How much pride do you take in being a dangerous return specialist for your team?

Rashid Shaheed:  I take a lot of pride in it.  I am looking to make a spark.  Coaches and teammates always let me know that I can change the game.  During practice, I prepare like it’s a game and it makes it a lot easier.    

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Rashid Shaheed:  The biggest thing is separating from the defender.  I can get in and out of my breaks quicker.  My knee is feeling good and I am making good progress.      

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Rashid Shaheed:  Our semifinal win against Southern Utah during my grayshirt year. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

Rashid Shaheed:  The LA Chargers.  They used to be in San Diego.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Rashid Shaheed:  Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, Odell, Julio, and Keenan Allen.    

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Rashid Shaheed:  #2 DB Marque Collins, RB Josh Davis, WR Devin Cooley, TE Justin Malone and safety Preston Smith.  Our whole O-line and DL are studs. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Rashid Shaheed:  DB from Utah (Josh Johnson).    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a WR?

Rashid Shaheed:  Knowing how to get open.  Speed is another big thing. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Rashid Shaheed:  We make it fun.  We have great guys.  We have the best coaching staff in the entire nation.  

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Rashid Shaheed:  I like to relax.  Play video games and hang out with my girlfriend.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Rashid Shaheed:  I want to help people and teach them.  I want to become a trainer.  My major is in health promotion. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Rashid Shaheed:  Athletic, selfless, genuine, funny, and creative.