DeAndre Washington
Tight End / Arkansas-Monticello
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
DeAndre Washington: I am 6’3, currently 243 pounds and my forty time is in the 4.6 range.
Alex Khvatov: How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
DeAndre Washington: Basically, I tried to find home workouts. The gym opened up not too far from here. I have been running to keep my endurance up. I have a little eating plan. I eat 4,500 calories a day, and staying consistent with my workouts.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
DeAndre Washington: I played basketball and ran track. In track, I started off as a jumper and then as a sprinter.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
DeAndre Washington: I started playing football my sophomore year. My high school coach didn’t recognize my talent. I wanted to try out at receiver. I was 180 pounds playing OT. I played there until my senior year. My senior year, I got switched to receiver.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
DeAndre Washington: I had a couple of D-II offers.
Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at Langston College?
DeAndre Washington: I went there on a visit. They had a winning culture. They were coming off a conference championship. They won it five straight years. I wasn’t used to winning in high school. The culture was different.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your overall career at Langston College.
DeAndre Washington: Coming in as a freshman, I thought that I could play right away. I did good in fall camp, but I suffered a groin injury. I wasn’t 100%, but I still played. I had seven catches for 100 yards and three TD’s in limited time. I didn’t feel the same about the school as I did when I came on a visit. After a semester, I left. I was homesick. I had trouble with grades. In 2016, I went to Monticello as a regular student. I transferred, but I had to get my grades up.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your career at Arkansas-Monticello?
DeAndre Washington: It started out a bit rough. I had to keep my composure because I had to redshirt in 2017. I kept working and stayed in the weight room. I was a receiver at the time. But at the end of the season, they switched me to TE. I didn’t handle it well at first. They told me to give it a shot. I stuck it out. I put on a few pounds. I suffered a hamstring injury in 2018. I tweaked it in fall camp. I missed a couple of games. I still got All-American at the end of the 2018 season. I won the best TE award in the conference. I realized what I could do on the field. I had 36 catches, close to 700 yards and six TD’s in 2018. I became a student of the game in 2019. It became easy when you know the game. The game slowed down for me. My numbers were identical during my junior season. I became an All-American again. I am thankful to the school for giving me the opportunity.
Alex Khvatov: What can we expect from your team this upcoming season?
DeAndre Washington: In 2018, we made it to a bowl game. It was the first time in 25 years. In 2019, we were building upon it, but we took a step back. We are expecting a big leap forward this year. We expect to compete for a conference championship.
Alex Khvatov: How important is education to you?
DeAndre Washington: I made the Dean’s list a couple of times at the school. It’s important to graduate and get a degree.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
DeAndre Washington: I bring versatility to the position. I can lineup anywhere. I can lineup as a slot receiver, inline or outside. My speed creates mismatches. If I line up against a LB, I am quicker than them. If I line up against a safety, I use my size. I am a playmaker.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
DeAndre Washington: Being a more consistent blocker. I just need to keep going and finish blocks. I also need to become more of a student of the game.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
DeAndre Washington: The rivalry game against Southern Arkansas in 2018. This was a big game. There was so much riding on it. They were 8-2. With a win, they would secure a playoff spot. We were 5-5 at the time. It was a battle the whole game. We got a penalty. We were backed up. It was 2nd & 15, and I was lined in the slot. I had a LB who had inside leverage and a safety over the top. I had the corner post route. I got open, and the QB threw a good ball. There was a roar by the crowd when I made the big play. There was so much adrenaline in me when I made the play. There was a bogus holding call, and the play didn’t count. Our kicked nailed the game-winning kick. That win felt differently. All of the hard work paid off.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
DeAndre Washington: Staying true to yourself. They taught me that. You are a two-time All-American, don’t be a guy that changes because of the success. I want to tell my story to more people if I make it to the NFL. I want to motivate the young people in the future. Work hard, don’t give up and you can be successful. Coach Jackson became a father figure to me. I lost my father in 2014 in high school.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
DeAndre Washington: The Atlanta Falcons have been my favorite team. I get a little bit of a backlash from people because I am from Louisiana. Mike Vick just stood out. He is my favorite QB of all-time.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
DeAndre Washington: Julio Jones is a big athlete with great catching ability and route running. Zach Ertz has been consistent the past three seasons. He is a really good route runner for his size. Route running separates him from other people at his position. Travis Kelce and George Kittle have brought a new dynamic to the TE position. Kittle is an excellent blocker. I have been studying him this past year. Travis Kelce is a great receiving TE.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?
DeAndre Washington: Sophomore QB Demilon Brown was named Freshman of the Year in our conference. He brought a new dynamic with his running ability. He will be a top D-II prospect at the end of his career. Receiver C.J. Parham, WR Jeremy Hampton and LB Justin Legier. Justin is very versatile and runs side to side. CB Jonathan Scott will be a sophomore this year. He plays the ball very well and has long arms.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
DeAndre Washington: Oklahoma Baptist QB Preston Haire shows the ability to make plays. He is a good runner and good passer. He was named GAC Offensive Player of the Year. He was a pain for the whole conference.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a TE?
DeAndre Washington: Versatility. You create mismatches in the receiving game. But you also develop into a consistent blocker.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
DeAndre Washington: The atmosphere. Playing in front of the crowd. The friendships you make with people. These guys will be my friends forever. This game does so much for people. I miss my teammates right now. I have formed these life long bonds with them.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
DeAndre Washington: I love playing 2K. I like hanging out with my close friends.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
DeAndre Washington: I want to get into coaching which is what I am getting my degree in. I want to be involved with the game. I also want to become a motivational speaker. I want to motivate and inspire the youth. I want to get my story out there. My story may help the kids.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
DeAndre Washington: My work ethic and my personality are unique. I am not shy, but people will perceive me as a quiet guy in the beginning. Once you get to know me, I will open up. All of the stuff that I went through, I worked hard and kept my goals. I won’t stop at nothing until my goals are fulfilled.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
DeAndre Washington: Goofy, hardworking, loving, intelligent, and driven.
