Fansided

College Football Week 3: NFL Draft big board rankings

By Nathaniel Reeves

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans scrambles with the football during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans scrambles with the football during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
14 of 32
Next
STILLWATER OK – AUGUST 31: Oklahoma State Cowboys WR James Washington (28) during a college football game between the Tulsa Golden Hurricane and the Oklahoma State Cowboys on August 31, 2017 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater OK. (Photo by David Stacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
STILLWATER OK – AUGUST 31: Oklahoma State Cowboys WR James Washington (28) during a college football game between the Tulsa Golden Hurricane and the Oklahoma State Cowboys on August 31, 2017 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater OK. (Photo by David Stacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
19

James Washington

WR, Oklahoma State

As one of the nation’s most productive wide receivers, Washington holds on to a spot in the top 20 heading into Week 3.

Washington only reeled in a pair of catches in Oklahoma State’s 44-7 victory over South Alabama, but still piled up 98 yards thanks to a 66-yard, catch-and-run for a touchdown. The senior wide receiver is living up to his preseason All-American status and is now up to 243 yards and three touchdowns on the young season.

Once a rather unheralded three-star recruit, Washington has emerged as arguably the best big play threat in the nation with a healthy career average of 19.8 yards per reception. Washington has put up over 2,500 total yards of offense with 20 touchdowns over the past two years following a promising freshman campaign, and appears to be headed for an even bigger season with an eye-popping 30.4 yards per reception so far in 2017.

While there will always be questions about how the system Washington comes from might translate to the next level, his explosive athleticism and body control should play anywhere. Washington has a solid combination of speed and size at 6-0, 205 pounds, and could be the first wide receiver off the board next year if he can develop his route running.

Tougher matchups await later in the season for Washington, starting with a trip to Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Home/College Football