Mississippi State's Hunter Washington settling in at safety
Since transferring to Mississippi State from Florida State, former On3 four-star prospect Hunter Washington has seen his share of adjustments in the defensive backfield. The Katy, Texas, native has played various roles the past two seasons at Mississippi State whether it be at cornerback or one of the safety positions.
But since the spring and now in training camp, Washington seems to have settled into the safeties room. On Saturday after practice, he met with local media to discuss training camp and other aspects of the upcoming season:
Q: How’s it been with the secondary with so many new faces back there?
Washington: Starting with the spring it’s been a learning experiment. But as fall camp has been going, I feel like everyone is understanding the defense after we’ve been putting in film and stuff like that. I feel like everybody understands the football structure of it. So it’s going pretty good.
Q: Where are you working at in the secondary?
Washington: Right now boundry safety. I’m pretty much trying to learn everything just in case certain scenarios. But right now I am still at boundry safety and focused on receivers and tight ends.
Q: The coaches have been high on the production in practice. What helped you take a step forward from last year?
Washington: I just took a step back and realized I’m just here to help the team. I just focused on myself to help my team and hold my team to a higher standard, pushing my teammates to the next level. I’m here to help people out and also focus on me. I put the team before me and before anything else. I’m just here to help the team.
Q: Does the way this defense use the safeties feel a lot different this year?
Washington: Like I said in the spring, they evaluated everybody and they see how everybody moves. Then they put people in certain positions to reach their best potential.
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Q: Who are some guys in the secondary that have stood out to you?
Washington: I like to praise the young guys because I know it’s hard when you first get to college. But they’ve really taken a step forward coming into this fall camp. I am really proud of them.
Q: What about Brylan Lanier?
Washington: I like Brylan, too. Really all the guys, we’ve been coming together as one group. Our goal is to be at our best peak and that’s what we’re doing.
Q: What are some things that Coach Matt Barnes emphasizes to you guys?
Washington: Take it one day at a time. Focus on one part and then build it as we go.
Q: What’s the biggest difference to you compared to last year?
Washington: Just a lot of new faces. Nothing different, just a lot of new faces.
Q: Which receiver gives you the most trouble?
Washington: For real, I would say Mario Craver. He’s going to be pretty good, I’m not gonna lie.
Q: How much does that receivers group help to push the defensive backs?
Washington: They are also making us better going against them. We got speed receivers and tight ends. I like the offense, as well, too.
