100 Days of Summer: Get to Know No. 28 James Washington

It’s finally here, the month of college football. Let’s look at one of the most valuable players on Oklahoma State’s offense who occupies N0. 28 on our countdown: James Washington.

How he got to OSU

The latest in Oklahoma State’s diamond-in-the-rough wideouts hails from Stamford, Texas, population 2,984 as of 2016. The three-star prospect out of a tiny school didn’t get much burn in recruiting circles.

Mike Gundy recalled wide receivers coach Kasey Dunn’s recruitment of Washington during Big 12 Media Days.

“I still remember him coming in my office,” Gundy said of Dunn. “I think it was October and he said, ‘Coach, I’ve got a kid I need you to see. He’s at a real small school in west Texas. He’s a tennis player, basketball player, baseball player, football player, all these different things. I think he’s a big-time player, but nobody’s recruiting him.’ That’s how we found him. I think TCU got on him maybe, but really wasn’t much of a recruiting battle.”

What he’s done in Stillwater

During his three years at Oklahoma State, Washington has been the most important weapon in the Cowboys’ arsenal. He’s already compiled a ton of yards and records and comparable numbers to two-time Biletnikoff winner Justin Blackmon. I wrote about the comparison earlier this week.

Role in 2017

His role in 2017 will mirror his role the last two seasons — option numero uno for Mason Rudolph. With the bevvy of talented wide receivers Oklahoma State boasts, some might predict a decrease in production for the Biletnikoff favorite. But I wouldn’t be so sure. Having Marcell Ateman and Tyron Johnson and Jalen McCleskey on the field at the same time as Washington means a lot more single coverage for “The Prez.” And that normally means chunk yardage and points for the Cowboys.

Noteworthy stats and highligts

Over the course of his career he has shown his ability to be physical and win most one-on-one battles.

Even when matched up against future NFL DBs.

And has become one of the best deep-ball receivers in the country.