Michael Roots
Running Back / Central Washington

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

Michael Roots:  I am 5’9 and 200 pounds.   

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

Michael Roots:  I wake up and go running.  Then I do pushups, sit ups and stretch a lot.  After that, I go sprinting later in the day and stretch again.  On Friday, I work out with one of my trainers at Playmakers Elite Facility.  I do weight training there.   

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

Michael Roots:  I ran track my sophomore year.  I ran the 100m in 11.04.  After that year, I focused on football.     

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

Michael Roots:  I played RB and I was a kickoff returner.  Growing up, I was always one of the fastest and strongest kids. 

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

Michael Roots:  Coming out of high school, I was a preferred walk-on at San Jose State.  I wasn’t mature enough to make the transition from high school to college.  It was more from the academic standpoint.  I got homesick.  I spent only my redshirt freshman year there.  Then Southern Oregon called and offered me a scholarship.  I spent one year there.  I did pretty well there under coach Howard.  We had a big change with our coaching staff the following year. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Central Washington? 

Michael Roots:  One of my coaches from Southern Oregon went to Central Washington.  I decided to join him.         

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career at Central Washington?      

Michael Roots:  I had a big season my first year.  I got my name out there.  I rushed for over 1,000 yards.  I was able to get first team all-conference.  I was a newcomer of the year and an offensive player of the year my sophomore year.  During my junior year, I was able to rush for over 1,000 yards again.  I was first team all-conference and an All-American.  I was also a Harlon Hill Trophy finalist last year.  I made the super-regional team.  I was the offensive player of the year and a student athlete of the year at my school this past season.  I was also a team captain as a junior.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Michael Roots:  Speed, strength, and the ability to make plays.   

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

Michael Roots:  Be more of a student of the game.  I need to recognize the defense better.    

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

Michael Roots:  My junior season as a whole.  I was able to make plays.  I was able to pick up where I left off my sophomore year.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Michael Roots:  To do the little things right.  Treat others the way I want to be treated.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Michael Roots:  The Raiders.  Growing up, I played for the Raiders at Pop Warner.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Michael Roots:  Ezekiel Elliott.     

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

Michael Roots:  LB Donte Hamilton, LB Hamilton Hunt, QB Christian Moore, WR JoJo Hillel, WR Tony Archie, TE Sam Sanchez, WR Drake Owen, and CB Patrick Rogers.   

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

Michael Roots:  QB Jake Browning from Washington.  I played against him in high school.   

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

Michael Roots:  Ability to make plays and being able to do well in pass blocking.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Michael Roots:  The bonds with my teammates.  You create a family on and off the field.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

Michael Roots:  A leader is someone who can relate and do what’s best for the team. 

Alex Khvatov:  How important are academics to you?

Michael Roots:  We are here to get a degree in college.  Doing good work in the classroom leads to good things on the field. 

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from Central Washington this upcoming season? 

Michael Roots:  A playoff run.  We haven’t made the playoffs since I have been here.  Also winning the conference. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Michael Roots:  I like to listen to music, paint cartoon characters, go on hikes, watch movies and play video games.    

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

Michael Roots:  My degree is in sports management.  I am not sure what I want to do in the future yet.   

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Michael Roots:  Loyal, leader, hardworking, trustworthy, and humble.