Mike Gundy Compares James Washington to Justin Blackmon

James Washington took over in the starting lineup last season, and exploded on the scene with a team-leading six touchdowns last season.

Washington was a little known recruited out of Stamford, Texas, who apparently competed in basketball, track AND tennis, to go along with football. Apparently his competitive nature and his impressive dunks were enough for receiver coach Kasey Dunn to pull the trigger and offer him a scholarship.

“He was at a small school, so nobody was really recruiting him,” Gundy told ESPN. “But we thought, this guy really is a big-time athlete.”

I tend to agree.

Even Mason Rudolph chimed in on the praise. “”He’s got great hands, his football IQ is tremendous. He sees things that I’ll see as a quarterback.”

Despite the fact that Washington lead his football team to back-to-back state championship titles in football, his only big offer came from the Pokes – and Gundy’s faith in the young receiver has only grown.

“You see similarities out there with Blackmon,” Gundy said. “He’s explosive, competitive, great practice player. Blackmon was that way.” He goes on to say that Washington is in a ‘different class’ when it comes to his ability to accelerate and run through the ball.

Kyle already predicted Washington to be the go-to homerun threat this year – Now I’m not so convinced that he isn’t the best receiver OSU has on the roster.