20 college football players who should be highly paid in 2017

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Darnold No. 14 of the USC Trojans looks to pass the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – DECEMBER 29: Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver James Washington (28) makes a catch during the Valero Alamo Bowl between the Colorado Buffaloes and Oklahoma State Cowboys on December 29, 2016, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. Oklahoma State won the game 38-8. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

8. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State

With college football becoming more and more pass-happy, Washington would surely receive substantial compensation as arguably the best wide receiver in the nation.

Washington left Stamford high school in Texas as a three-star recruit ranked outside the top 100 wide receiver prospects in the class of 2014 and only received offers from Oklahoma State and Texas State. Like countless other similar prospects during the Mike Gundy era in Stillwater, Washington proved that ranking wrong and has developed into a star over the past two years.

After gaining valuable experience with 28 catches as a true freshman, Washington became one of the best big play threats in the nation with 53 receptions for 1,087 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2015. An even more prolific 2016 campaign followed, as Washington reeled in 71 catches for 1,380 yards and another 10 touchdowns.

The Cowboys piled up just shy of 40 points per game in 2016 and project to have another ultra-explosive offense with the tandem of Washington and quarterback Mason Rudolph leading the way. Washington’s 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame gives a physical element to his game to go along with excellent athleticism, making him a nightmare matchup down the field for anybody.

That sort of production would have been enough to get Washington drafted, but he chose to return to Oklahoma State for his senior season and enters the year on a number of award watch lists. Matching A.J. Green’s annual $15 million salary should be the benchmark for Washington in 2017.

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