James Washington Could Go Down As OSU’s All-Time Leading Receiver

James Washington spoke with the media ahead of his third-straight bowl appearance about his decision to return to Oklahoma State for an expected fourth. “I look forward to coming back and having another year with him [Rudolph] and everyone else,” said Washington, “and plus we get degrees. It’s worth it, so why not.”

Why not, indeed.

A few days later, Washington was named the Alamo Bowl’s offensive MVP and was icing down an awkwardly dislocated finger that took him out in the third quarter. But his thoughts must have been focused on next fall and another chance to make history in Stillwater.

As we join the All-American snub in placing our thoughts on next September, let’s take stock in where he stands among some great all-time receivers at OSU.

Pass receptions

1. Rashaun Woods (1999-03) – 293
2. Justin Blackmon (2008-11) – 253
3. Hart Lee Dykes (1985-88) – 224
4. Josh Stewart (2011-13) – 180
5. D’Juan Woods (2002-06) – 163
6. Josh Cooper (2007-11) – 161
7. James Washington (2014-present) – 152
8. Dez Bryant (2007-09) – 147
9. Tracy Moore (2009-13) – 144
10. Adarius Bowman (2006-07) – 127

Washington would need to exceed his 2016 catches (71) by two as a senior to climb past Hart Lee Dykes and into the top three in career receptions at OSU. That may not be easy with all the talent the Cowboys have returning and coming in at wide out. The depth of the group during Washington’s time in Stillwater makes some of his career numbers all that more impressive.

Receiving Touchdowns

1. Rashaun Woods (1999-03) – 42
2. Justin Blackmon (2008-11) – 40
3. Hart Lee Dykes (1985-88) – 31
4. Dez Bryant (2007-09) – 29
5. James Washington (2014-present) – 26
6. D’Juan Woods (2002-06) – 20
7. Adarius Bowman (2006-07) – 20
8.  Tracy Moore (2009-13) – 18
9. Herman Eben (1968-70) – 15
10. Alonzo Mayes (1994-97) – 15

If Washington can duplicate his 10-touchdown junior season in 2017, he would climb into the top three in this category, as well.

Receiving Yards

1. Rashuan Woods (1999-03) – 4,414
2. Justin Blackmon (2008-11) – 3,564
3. Hart Lee Dykes (1985-88) – 3,510
4. James Washington (2014-present) – 3,204
5. D’Juan Woods (2002-06) – 2,751
6. Dez Bryant (2007-09) – 2,425
7. Josh Stewart (2011-13) – 2,425
8. Adarius Bowman (2006-07) – 2,187
9. Tracy Moore (2009-13) – 2,064
10. Herman Eben (1968-70) – 1,973

Washington is just 1,210 yards shy of Rashaun Woods’ all-time receiving mark of 4,414 yards. Coming off of a 1,380-yard junior campaign, ending his career as the Cowboys’ all-time receiver is a definite possibility if Washington stays healthy.

That’s pretty amazing. The decision for him and Mason Rudolph to come back not only makes OSU an automatic contender for the Big 12 for a third-straight year, it makes it possible for each both go down as career leaders at their perspective positions. Mason Rudolph is almost a shoo-in to become OSU’s all-time passing leader if he stays healthy.

Additional records and Feats

• Washington’s current career average of 19.23 yards per catch leads all Cowboy receivers with a minimum of 60 career receptions.
• With 12 100-yard receiving games, Washington is now fourth on the career list behind Rashaun Woods (20), Justin Blackmon (19) and Hart Lee Dykes (18).
• Washington’s three 80-plus receptions in 2016 set a single-season record at Oklahoma State.
• Washington’s 91-yard reception from Mason Rudolph against Pitt is the second-longest passing play in Oklahoma State history.
• Against Pittsburgh, Washington recorded the second-most receiving yards in Oklahoma State history (296) in just nine receptions. That’s just four yards shy of Adarius Bowman’s 13-catch, 300 yard game against Kansas in 2006.