Penn State receiver Parker Washington looks to make an even bigger impact in 2021

Apr. 13—Perhaps the only person who wasn't surprised by Parker Washington's breakout performance at Penn State in 2020 was Parker Washington.

He started all nine games for the Nittany Lions, made at least one catch in every game and led all Big Ten freshmen in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.

"I really was concerned with being the best me for the team and doing everything I could to help my team be successful," Washington said Tuesday. "I wouldn't say I surprised myself. I feel like I made plays that I really worked on and prepared for in the offseason and during practices.

"I was just glad to be able to help my team as much as I could last season."

Washington quickly emerged as the No. 2 option in Penn State's passing game behind Jahan Dotson and finished with 36 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns. He caught a touchdown pass in overtime at Indiana in his first college game and later made nine receptions at Michigan, a school record for a true freshman.

He said he hopes to improve those statistics this season in the receiver-friendly offense of new coordinator Mike Yurcich, which the Lions are learning during spring practice.

"With Coach Yurcich's offense, it's just exciting because he's bringing the energy all the time," Washington said. "There's a lot of opportunity. I feel like we just have to be consistent in the receiver room and it'll be great numbers (for them) this year."

Washington made an impression on Penn State coaches and teammates last year with his precise route-running, his soft hands and his ability to make catches in traffic. Even though he's only 5-10 and 210 pounds, he has extraordinary leg strength and a 38-inch vertical leap.

"If you look back to the Michigan game, he went across the middle and the free safety came down and popped him," Penn State wide receivers coach Taylor Stubblefield said. "He took the hit, stayed on his feet and ran for another 15 to 20 yards. He's tough to bring down."

Penn State coach James Franklin and others have said Washington is built more like a running back than a wide receiver.

"When I have the guys over to the house, I can see why he has that body type," Stubblefield said. "He likes to eat. He might be the first wide receiver I've seen stay in the kitchen the entire time he was at my house. He's earned that body.

"He's strong. He's powerful. He's explosive. That helps him get in and out of the breaks as well as he's been able to do it. You can see it by those ham hocks he has as legs."

Washington, a four-star prospect from Sugar Land, Texas, a suburb of Houston, chose Penn State over Duke and Wisconsin.

He comes from a family of athletes, including his father, Christopher, who played football at Mississippi State and Air Force; Josh Dobbs, a cousin who plays quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers; Tyler Tolbert, a cousin who's in the Kansas City Royals organization; and Stephen Dobbs, a cousin who played basketball at Alabama-Birmingham.

His sister, Ashton, is director of football recruiting operations at Texas Tech after she spent last season at Illinois.

One of his best friends from home is Steven Sims Jr., a receiver with the Washington Football Team. Washington credits Sims with mentoring him and helping him play with so much poise last year at Penn State.

"He's kind of been my role model growing up," Washington said. "He taught me a lot of stuff as he went through college at Kansas. That really helped polish me. I had a lot of great coaches, too. It really helped me come in and be prepared for college football."

He seems to be well-rounded. He played the cello through middle school, which he called "definitely fun," and has mentored foster children near his hometown.

"I love to impact others," Washington said. "I like to help them all the time. I'll definitely continue to do that all the way through my life. I just love to help people."

He said he hopes he can help the Lions rebound from their 4-5 season in 2020.

"I'm loving it here at Penn State," he said. "It has been nothing but great, even through the recruiting process. The opportunity I saw here is having an opportunity to be able to compete for a national championship.

"I'm excited for this team and I can't wait to see what we can do next season."