College Football: Top 50 players for 2017

James Washington was one of three unanimous selections to the Preseason Big 12 First-Team. That’s the kind of thing that tends to happen when you rack up more receiving yards than any other returning receiver in the conference. Washington’s name was all over the Big 12 receptions leader board in 2016. He finished in the top five in receptions, yards per catch and receiving touchdowns.

Having the luxury of Mason Rudolph as his quarterback won’t hurt his chances to climb further up the ranks in 2017. Rudolph is in the argument for the best true passer in the conference after finishing with a statistical season that was on par with Oklahoma passer Baker Mayfield.

It’s not just Rudolph that props up his value. Washington has the added benefit of sharing the field with junior receiver Jalen McClesky. Better receivers than Washington have been shut down by double coverage thanks to the lack of a supporting cast. Opposing defenses can’t throw all of their pressure to Washington. McClesky will keep them honest and force them to cover the who width of the field. Advantage: Washington.

More: Washington and Rudolph should be first round picks in the 2018 NFL Draft

The sky is the limit for Washington in 2017. He managed a nine catch, two touchdown and 296 yard game against Pittsburgh last year. In total, he surpassed 100 yards six times last season. Playing receiver in the Big 12 can sometimes best be compared to a track meet. Nothing he’s done up to this point suggests he’ll break a sweat replicating the 2016 season. Rather, with one more year under his belt, he’ll be ready to set some new records of his own.