Razorback Tight End Took Advantage Of Opportunity Against Ole Miss

Tight end not as huge of a concern with breakout performance by redshirt freshman.

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Oct 8, 2023 12:27 AM EDT

In this story:

OXFORD, Miss. – A star was born under the strobe lights and fire extinguisher mist inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Saturday. When Ty Washington receives meaningful snaps, the redshirt freshman tight end delivers more times than not.

With the Razorbacks facing an injury to true freshman phenom Luke Hasz, depth at the position was tested. Turns out Washington was the answer. He caught a team high seven passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns against Ole Miss, allowing Arkansas to have hope late. Before the Week 6 match-up, Washington had yet to be targeted for a pass and was rarely used going into his first start since the Liberty Bowl.

The Leesburg, Ga. native scores nearly every other time he touches the ball. That type of production needs to be used, not ignored by yet another offensive coaching staff. Some players aren't great during practice, but when kickoff comes things just click. That may be the case with Washington.

"Luke [Hasz] is a heck of a player," Washington said. "I waited for my opportunity and it finally came. I watched the video of Tom Brady doing two perfect plays. Just had to stay mentally ready."

Anytime a player is promoted on the depth chart, whether it be due to injury or hard work, nerves can always enter the equation. Luckily for Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson, Washington was a mentally tough character going into his first SEC start in a wild atmosphere at Ole Miss.

"Deep down I knew I could do what I could do," Washington said. "I wasn't really nervous, but I was very excited."

With more games to come and growth to be had, Washington will have an opportunity to build off his breakout performance. With Alabama looming, next Saturday morning, the 6-foot-4, 247 pound tight end will catch the Crimson Tide by surprise when they watch the game film.

"I can't say what happens next," Washington said. "We have to keep working."

Hasz had become a key target for Jefferson during the BYU and LSU games before reportedly breaking his collar bone early in the first quarter against Texas A&M. The void might have been filled due to the tight end's knack for making big plays.

"Opportunity showed up," Jefferson said. [Washington] stepped up to the moment and took advantage of it."