Illinois wanted to add length to the X-wide receiver spot, and they've done that with two-star Casey Washington from Pflugerville (Texas). Wide receivers coach Andrew Hayes-Stoker saw Washginton at the Texas A&M Commerce camp and they offered soon after.
For a long and lanky guy, Washington gets a decent initial release off of the line of scrimmage. He has clearly had good coaching, and he uses solid footwork to avoid getting jammed and get into his route. As this point, his acceleration is just average for a Power 5 receiver, so that's why we see the two-star rating by Rivals.com. He's a possession receiver who uses crisp route running, good length, and solid hands to make plays in the passing game. I like his fit for the spread offense due his instincts at finding soft spots in the defense. He's the kind of third receiver who can methodically pick you apart.
Washignton's body will have to mature to deal with the physical DB's in the Big Ten Conference, win battles for the football, and be an effective blocker. His strength right now is high-pointing the football, and he comes down with balls in a crowd at the high school level due to a nice set of hands. Washington is polished and skilled, he's just not the kind of plus athlete that's going to wow you.
For a long and lanky guy, Washington gets a decent initial release off of the line of scrimmage. He has clearly had good coaching, and he uses solid footwork to avoid getting jammed and get into his route. As this point, his acceleration is just average for a Power 5 receiver, so that's why we see the two-star rating by Rivals.com. He's a possession receiver who uses crisp route running, good length, and solid hands to make plays in the passing game. I like his fit for the spread offense due his instincts at finding soft spots in the defense. He's the kind of third receiver who can methodically pick you apart.
Washignton's body will have to mature to deal with the physical DB's in the Big Ten Conference, win battles for the football, and be an effective blocker. His strength right now is high-pointing the football, and he comes down with balls in a crowd at the high school level due to a nice set of hands. Washington is polished and skilled, he's just not the kind of plus athlete that's going to wow you.
