2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Prince Washington, DB, Sacramento State

• Name: Prince Washington
• Position: DB
• College: Sacramento State
• Height: 5’9″
• Weight:180 lbs
• Twitter: @PRINCE48P
• Instagram: @prince4bp

What sets you apart from other defensive backs?

My work ethic and attention to detail is what sets me apart. I take pride in doing everything the right way. I’m a fast learner and I’m always looking for ways to get better.

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I always loved sports growing up. I started off playing basketball but in middle school I decided to play football too. From then on I just fell in love with football and everything that comes with it.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I would pick Deion Sanders because not only was he a great player, he’s a great coach. I would like to learn stuff from him that you can’t just watch on film that made him as successful as he is today.

How do you prepare for games?

Outside of the obvious answers like film, game planning, creating my own scouting reports etc; I like to make sure I’m relaxed leading up to the game, so the gameday routine involves extra mobility/yoga stretches with calmer music pre game.

What is your favorite coverage and why?

My favorite coverage is man. I understand if you have man, corners it can give flexibility to your whole defensive scheme. I take it personal when I’m in man because I know it’s either me or the WR. I like other coverages where you can disguise, read concepts and bait but it all starts and ends with man coverage for me.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite football moments are the locker room experiences that I’ve had. When you put everything you have into football and the person next to you is doing the same thing, you build a brotherhood and that makes you closer off the field. So those experiences that I’ve had with my teammates are my favorite football moments.

What should we know about Prince Washington the person?

I want everyone around me to be successful. I do everything I can to bring out the best versions of people. Football wise this looks like staying after practice to help a younger DB with their technique, in the film room explaining different ways to improve, leading by example and focusing on the details etc. This translates to my life outside of football because I’m always willing to help someone else out and not hogging information, thinking it might put them in a better position than me.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

At practice I’m energetic and making sure the secondary is ready to go, but during the games I’m calmer. I’m not a big celebration type of person when I make plays but I’ll hype up my teammates when they do.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I’ve had plenty challenges in life and football and I always just try to keep myself focused on what I can control. I heard “Control what you can control” and that stuck with me since a young age. If I’m ever dealing with something that’s challenging, I try to take a step back and put it all into perspective. There’s always somebody who has it worse than you so I just try to grateful and mindful at all times.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get somebody that’s 100% dedicated. I’m a sponge and I love to learn. I treat my craft and health professionally and make sure I’m doing everything I can on and off the field to be the best that I can be.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to having a great season, collectively and individually. We had a good season last year as a team but came short of our ultimate goal. I’m looking forward to finally showcasing what I can really do because I haven’t been able to on a national stage. I believe I’m a big sleeper of this class and my teammates/coaches know what I can do but my last season was cut short as I got hurt in game 2 and got a medical redshirt. We also didn’t have a season in 2020 due to COVID. So for me, I believe I’m a hidden product and I can’t wait to showcase my talents.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

I would say Marcus Epps from when I was at The University of Wyoming. Marcus was always given less recognition than Dewey (Andrew Wingard) because they both played safety, even though he was always producing. He wasn’t given any all conference awards but he was a very hard worker, a great leader and it worked out for him. I can also say that being around him as a younger DB, I learned a lot from him.