It’s been a year of changes for McAlester High football player Rodney Washington. First there was the change last year going from middle school to playing with the Buffalo varsity as a freshman. “It was a big change honestly. In middle school I could outrun and outjump everybody but in high school you have to not only have athletic talent but also develop better mechanics to compete with the bigger, older kids,” said the sophomore-to-be who is also plays basketball for the Buffs. Washington played some at wide receiver and in the defensive backfield last season where he made his first high school memory. “I didn’t play a lot early on, but I really felt like I got some recognition when I had two interceptions against Brooker T. Washington,” said Rodney. He comes from a large family with parents that were athletic, and he is the next youngest of 13 siblings. “Everyone in the family plays sports. I’m probably the most competitive and closest to my younger brother. I try to push him to be great, so I keep him close to me to teach him.” There’s more change for Rodney on the gridiron this year as the Buffaloes have a new coach in Jeff Craig who feels Washington is an unbelievable talent that was under-utilized last year and can have a breakout year in 2025 on both sides of the ball. “Coach Jeff is a really cool dude,” said Rodney. “He makes things easier by simplifying the plays.” Washington likes playing both football and basketball (“I like whichever sport is in season the best”) but really enjoys the physicality of football. “I think the physicality and mental toughness required in football will help make me a better person on and off the field.” With the season still a few months off, Rodney hasn’t thought too much about individual goals he would like to accomplish this year but instead is focused on doing what he can to help McAlester move towards a gold ball next December. “I feel like I’ve really made progress during the offseason and will hopefully see more action at wide receiver this year,” said the dual sport athlete.
