Spalding (MD) opened their 2023 season with a convincing win over Don Bosco (NJ), leading from start to finish in a 28-14 at home. 2025 four-star quarterback Malik Washington opened the season as advertised and got going early, hitting his receiver in stride in the second offensive series of the game for his first passing touchdown of the season and one of three on the night.
It was Washington’s second touchdown when the 6-foot-3.5, 200-pound quarterback felt he hit his stride.
“I checked out of a run into a pass and ended up throwing a touchdown. I got comfortable in the offense and the coaches trusted me to do it,” Washington said. “A lot of seeing stuff pre-snap, checking into different things when we see stuff. Coaches gave us control over that. it kind of helped me with my confidence that I could go out here and play freely.”
Washington showed why he’s considered among the top prospects along the east coast, doing well picking up pressure led by Georgia verbal Jordan Thomas before picking apart the secondary. Washington added another touchdown on the ground, though he did finish the night with an interception following a deflection off the receiver’s shoulder pads into the air to set up Don Bosco’s lone score.
It was the only negative play on the night, the type of performance Washington wants to make throughout his junior year.
“Just being consistent, getting to our spots, our assignments. All the little plays into us winning [Friday]. Like that, at the end of the game, I tried to throw a block. Just the little plays like that, being consistent with all my stuff. That’s my biggest thing right now, just being consistent whether it’s my base or my drop on throws, just being consistent.”
It’s performances like Friday night why Washington remains a coveted prospect with several schools in the mix.
“It’s kind of been how it is, coaches texting me before games wishing me luck, things like that. I’m very grateful to be in a position to pick and choose where I can go,” Washington added. “Everybody is reaching out, sending graphics.”
Penn State, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Arkansas, Oregon and Maryland are among the schools who have reached out to the four-star prospect so far, while his most recent visit was to Eugene where he checked out Oregon for the first time.
“First time out there, super far but it was a good experience,” Washington added.
Before that, it was Maryland as Washington made his way to campus for a pair of spring practices. The top 2025 quarterback target has been able to build a strong rapport with the staff as defensive coordinator Brian Williams leads the way as the area recruiter.
“I know a lot of the Maryland staff just from going up there. They’re really close so I’ve gotten a chance to know them, they’re cool dudes.” The biggest development through the spring into summer has been getting comfortable with offensive coordinator Josh Gattis.
“Just listening to him talk Xs and Os. We talked about that for a while. He’s a smart dude. Real good football mind. I just want to learn more from him,” Washington added.
Washington will head to Virginia Tech next weekend when they host Old Dominion then Penn State on Sept. 23 when they host Iowa. The Terps have two more road games as Washington looks to visit “whatever Maryland games I get to.”
Washington is rated a four-star prospect and a 90 overall by On3, sitting as the sixth-best player in Maryland and the 14th-best quarterback.
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