QB Malik Washington: First start for the promising Maryland football freshman

Chase King
Aug 30
3 min read

Ending growing speculation that former four-star Malik Washington would become the week one starting quarterback for Maryland football in 2025, the true freshman dazzled in his first appearance with the program.

The freshman has made his vision clear of wanting to play in College Park for his home state from the jump, and with it finally coming to fruition, he said, “I think today was so much better than what I had in vision. Just that feeling like the energy you get from everybody around you is something you can’t replicate, so just getting out here and feeling that energy from everybody was really good.”

Washington won out the starting QB spot over redshirt junior Justyn Martin and redshirt freshman Khristian Martin.

“It was an amazing blessing, really, to be named the starter, you know, for coach to trust me,” said Washington.

“I’ve always said in this quarterback battle, it's always who gives us the best opportunity to win, the best opportunity to score points, you know, Malik did that,” Head coach Mike Locksley spoke on the QB battle, saying.

“It's a calmness about him, the demeanor that you see, he’s a little older than his years maybe, the way he handled this thing, and the best part about him is he’s only going to get better.”

Washington started his Maryland career on his own two-yard line. He completed his first collegiate pass to Georgia St. transfer Dorian Fleming for 15 yards, but wouldn’t find any more success in the drive.

Washington was shaky throughout his first collegiate quarter, ending it going 3-for-9 with 17 yards, adding only two more yards from the first drive.

He didn’t look comfortable in the pocket. He was either missing his targets downfield or would escape the pocket too early, leading to tough throws on the run.

“[I] started off a little slow, but as I felt myself get in the game, got them first couple hits out, and after that I was rolling,” said Washington.

Washington was able to settle into the game during the second quarter, throwing his first career touchdown to an open senior Shaleak Knotts and then two more to Tennessee transfer Kaleb Webb and Fleming.

During the second quarter, Washington stayed more structured whilst executing the offense, making easier passes, and stretching the field when available.

“My team just kept instilling that trust in me and confidence in me that kept me going,” said Washington on what happened in between the first and second quarter.

Washington went into the half 21-for-33 with 200 yards and three touchdowns.

He came back out in the third quarter for three drives where he stayed in rhythm, operating the offense at a high level.

He finished the game throwing 27-for-43 for 258 yards and three touchdowns. The freshman also went his entire debut without taking a sack or having any turnovers. His three touchdown passes marked the most by a true freshman in their season-opening debut since Trevor Lawrence in 2018. His 258 passing yards marked the most by a true freshman in a debut in program history, while his 27 completions marked the most-ever completions by a true freshman quarterback in a game.

Something apparent when watching Malik Washington is just how fast that ball comes off his hands. The former four-star has real velocity and is built like an NFL quarterback. He has real power on his throws and can make every throw needed. When he got into a rhythm, the offense was able to stretch every level of the field.

“Once we got Malik settled down, I think we all are starting to see the makings of what could be the great new quarterback here,” said Locksley.

Washington will look to build on that when Maryland hosts Northern Illinois for next Friday night, Sept. 5, for a 7:30 PM kickoff.

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