Washington State wide receiver Lincoln Victor was a workhorse for the Cougars in 2023. Combing through all the talent in the Pac-12 this past season, it was Victor who finished second behind just Rome Odunze (92) for the conference lead in receptions, totaling 89 catches for 860 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Victor recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Victor discussed his breakout season, transferring to Washington State from Hawaii, debunking the "undersized" narrative, and more.
JM: You had a massive breakout season in 2023. You recorded 89 receptions for 860 yards and five touchdowns. What led to your uptick in production this season?
Lincoln Victor: I placed my trust in our coaching staff. I was an experienced player heading into my fifth season. I knew things were going to turn a corner for me. I was really just waiting for an opportunity to showcase my skill set.
I’ve been through multiple coaching changes. I’ve faced a lot of adversity that, at times, hampered my development or playing time. I wouldn’t change it for anything because that was God’s plan for me.
The success this past season was a culmination of all the hard work I’ve put in over the years. The work never went unnoticed. I’ve always been dedicated. I kept my head down. I didn’t let the constant coaching changes get to me. Adversity never impacted my game.
Washington State appointed some great coaches with coach [Ben] Arbuckle and wide receivers coach Nick Edwards. They really poured into me as an athlete and receiver. Playing for them was really easy. They trusted me to play freely. I didn't have to worry about making mistakes. Every single day was a learning opportunity.
I stayed in the film room this season. I learned how to expand my arsenal and toolbelt. I wanted to become the best player I can be. They really placed emphasis on my development. That’s where the success came from.
JM: On that topic, now that you’ve had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Hawaii to Washington State? It obviously worked out for you.
Lincoln Victor: I had a great time at The University of Hawaii. That’s my hometown and where I come from. Being recruited by coach Rolovich coming out of high school was a dream come true. Playing in that run-and-shoot offense was amazing. I was used as another quarterback to an extent. That was a really cool role to play.
I had some success my freshman season. The second year didn’t go my way. I’m used to facing adversity throughout my career. You can never expect anything to be handed to you. There's no silver spoon.
When I decided to transfer, not only was it the best thing for me, but I wanted to embrace a new challenge. I’ve dealt with adversity and welcomed challenges my entire life. I’ve been labeled as undersized. I was underrecruited as a result.
I was on a scholarship at The University of Hawaii. I had a bunch of offers coming out of the portal, but for me, it was all about the challenge. What’s going to be the harder right as opposed to the easier wrong? I decided to bypass those offers and walk on at Washington State.
Taking a walk-on position was tough, but I worked my way toward being a focal point of the offense this past season. I knew that betting on myself and doubling down on my skill set would work out for me.
I believed in myself to the full extent. I knew it would eventually pay off. God works in mysterious ways. I’m so faithful to him and thankful that he showed me the way to Washington State. I became a better, stronger player. I can handle any challenge that comes my way.
Being underrated is nothing new to me. I just keep chopping wood and carrying water. That’s been my life story. I wouldn’t want it any other way because the final destination is more glorifying when you take a tougher path. It’s allowed me to do things others can’t do.
JM: Speaking of, you’ve been called “undersized” your entire career. You’ve proved doubters wrong at every turn. How do you typically respond to the size questions?
Lincoln Victor: I just put my head down and work 10 times harder than the next guy. Whatever receivers get drafted ahead of me this year, that’s a credit to them and the amount of work they’ve put in as well.
Everyone has their own process but I know at the end of the day, I’m willing to put more work in than anyone. It didn’t happen overnight. I built it over time. It’s been that way since I first strapped on a helmet at four years old. It didn't happen by accident. I’m willing to sacrifice more than the next guy.
Working harder is built into my DNA. The undersized thing doesn’t phase me anymore. There’s always going to be critics. I had a purpose before others had an opinion. It comes with the territory.
The fact that I could do it at this level without being 6-foot or 6-foot-5, it’s just a testament to not only how God put me together, but also to my hard work.
JM: I love that answer. I’ve appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on Lincoln Victor?
Lincoln Victor: They should use a draft pick on Lincoln Victor because I’m going to be a great asset to the organization. I’m going to be a selfless player and excellent teammate. I’m going to do my job with wholehearted effort. No task is too small.
I always approach my assignment with the right attitude. I’m extremely excited to be in this draft class. Whichever team gets me is doubling down by getting a receiver and all-around player that can throw a pass and play special teams as well. I have a high football IQ.
Whichever coach drafts me will understand that I’m a versatile weapon that can fill multiple positions. I don’t care about the limelight. I’m going to run my routes 10 times out of 12 before the ball comes my way. I take pride in clearing space for my teammates. I love football.
I’m a selfless blocker that loves watching my running back get into the end zone. I do the little things right. It’s all about hard work. I’m looking forward to getting that amazing opportunity at the next level.
My story will come to the forefront. I’ve built my foundation on hard work and proving the doubters wrong. I’m both a child of God and a football player. I’ve never considered myself to be just a receiver. I can play any position on the field.
I can play at the highest level. I’d be a great asset to any NFL organization.
