Bralen Washington, Faulkner University, Interview with Joe Gaiter

Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?

Bralen Washington: Football is something I have a hard time going without. Football is everything to me. I am around football and all my problems go away. It’s a sense of peace when I’m training or playing or just walking around with a football, it gives me a feeling that nothing else can.

Joe Gaiter: Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?

Bralen Washington: I grew up in Thomasville, Alabama raised by my grandmothers Louise Williams and Christine Nixon. My mom has been working since she was 16 years old providing for me and my sisters so she worked a lot. My childhood was a great time. I spent a lot of time in Putnam, Alabama with my Aunt being around my cousins and stuff riding 4 wheelers and things like that. I can say being on Preacher Street with my grandma was the most fun I’ve had in my life. Growing up doing the things I did was amazing.

Joe Gaiter: What inspired you to play sports?

Bralen Washington:  My Uncles Barettia “Flow” Washington & Rayshawn Cairl inspired me to play sports. My Uncle Flow and Rayshawn played all 3 sports in high school. 2010 was when my town gained its 2nd state championship. I got to watch him play and watch that team go win state so that definitely was a big push for me to be involved. Also my cousin Tyler Hayes inspired me to be the best. He is one of the best athletes to ever come through the state of Alabama.

Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories about Thomasville High School?

My fondest memory of Thomasville High school would definitely be 2017, my junior year against our rival Jackson. Highway 43 plays some good football and it’s always a big game when we play. It was a very hyped up game, and we had a very good team that year. Great memories with my senior class, having a good relationship with one special teacher who helped me through a lot, Kelli Davis, and just having a great relationship with my coaches.

Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your recruitment experience.

Bralen Washington: My recruitment was very crazy I would say. Numerous Division 1 schools had eyes for me, but just nobody came and pulled the trigger. Schools like Jacksonville State and Tennessee of Chattanooga were on me the most. I just don’t exactly know what happened.

Joe Gaiter: Why did you transfer to Faulkner University?

Bralen Washington: Faulkner was a place I was very interested in. A lot of their staff knew me very well and have watched me play in high school so I felt that it would be a good place for me to be. As well as it being a Christian school. I saw the opportunity to be able to learn more about Jesus Christ and get closer to God. It was never about football. God has helped and paved the way for me so it was a #1 choice for me.

Joe Gaiter: Faulkner University  was 3-6 last season. What do you think happened?

Bralen Washington: I can’t exactly say you know, I’m just now getting there. The past is never something that should be dwelled upon. It’s all about the next day to get better.

Joe Gaiter: What makes you a great wide receiver?

Bralen Washington:  SPEED! Speed kills and being able to accelerate and cut and stop on a dime is a big part of me being a great receiver. I run great routes. I have great hands but also I LOVE TO BLOCK! I will go at anyone, sacrifice my body just to make the block. I will lay out and dive for a ball. I think me being so competitive but also unselfish is what makes me a great receiver.

Joe Gaiter: What is your relationship like with Head Coach Shayne Wasden and the coaching staff?

Bralen Washington:  I spoke with Coach Wadsen when I went on my visit, but I have a great relationship with my receiver coach. We talk every other day and send him some stuff I’ve been working on. We communicate really well and I think our relationship is great. It will get better over the years while I’m there.

Joe Gaiter: How have you faced adversity?

Bralen Washington: Outside of football, my mom was working a lot so in middle school she couldn’t see me play a single game. As a kid that’s very upsetting  but I knew it was all business. She was providing for me and my family and that’s why my mother means the world to me. She made up for it by not missing a single game out of 4 years. As far as football, I lost a veteran QB my senior year, Corrigan Thibodeaux. It affected me a lot because of my position. So the first game of my senior year I didn’t get the ball as much as I thought I should. A lot of my teammates and coaches lost respect for me, but I quickly matured and figured out it was never about me, it was about the team. When I finally figured it out, I was the best player on the field, but also the best leader and most unselfish .

Rayshawn Let’s talk baseball, what do you think you can add to Faulkner’s baseball team?

Bralen Washington: Most definitely a canon in the outfield and a great spark as far as base running.

What does it take to be a great outfielder? It takes great preparation as far as being able to track the ball, making the catch and making good throws. Also good to be aware of your surroundings in the outfield, and being very vocal.

Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?

Bralen Washington:  I’m a man of many talents. There’s nothing I feel that I can’t do.

Joe Gaiter: What has been motivating you on the field?

Bralen Washington: My pops! My dad has had health problems since I was a sophomore in highschool that has gotten better over the years. Him coaching me up every week from then on motivated me a lot. Just to see that he was going through all that he did but made sure he called before and after every game. Also my nephew Ayce. He was born during a game my senior year and ever since we met he my life has changed. I write his name on my tape every game. I also write his dad Caderius Ward also and uncle Juice Cairl. Just by seeing the talent and abilities that I have and never letting me sell myself short.

Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like your talents have been overlooked?

Bralen Washington:  I do. Not many guys can throw a pass, take a handoff, catch a pass, catch punts and kickoffs, all while covering the opposing teams best receiver in one night. It’s just lots of things I can do weren’t ever coached. It’s just natural talent and I feel like it was overlooked because the things that I can do, it belongs in the SEC or somewhere like that but I’m forever thankful of the opportunities I have.

Joe Gaiter: Where have you been training during your off-season?

Bralen Washington:  I trained with D1 training in Mobile Al.

Joe Gaiter: What is your major and how do you plan on using it?

Bralen Washington: My major is Sports Management. I plan to be a coach someday.

Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?

Bralen Washington:  I want to be remembered as a guy who was unselfish who would do anything to help someone. I never want be remembered for my accolades. As long as I helped someone accomplish something, I will be okay. If I live and get to the stage I want to, I’ll have years to come of praise, but I would rather people see me as caring, unselfish guy.

Joe Gaiter: Final Words?

Bralen Washington:  It’s been a pleasure being able to speak with you guys today. Thank you for the opportunity!

Joe Gaiter: Shout outs?

Bralen Washington:  Thomasville forever! Small city with great people. Thank you to my parents, many loves ones, teachers, coaches. I’ll never forget where I came from. #459TrackBoy #ExpectToWin

Twitter: @BralenW1