Washington was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia[citation needed] and attended Parkview High School, where he hauled in 130 receptions for 1,958 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also rushing for 687 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also played quarterback, completing 17 of 27 pass attempts for 149 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. On defense, Washington tallied 117 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss, nine pass deflections, eight interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble.[1] He committed to play college football at Northwestern University over other programs such as Michigan State and Tennessee.[2]
College career
Northwestern
As a freshman in 2019, Washington had six receptions for 25 yards.[3] In the COVID shortened 2020 season, he brought in five passes for 51 yards, while also rushing for eight yards.[4] In week seven of the 2021 season, Washington hauled in five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown in a win over Rutgers.[5] In week three of the 2022 season, he notched four receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown in a 31-24 loss to Southern Illinois.[6] Washington totaled 65 receptions for 694 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 16 yards on the ground,[7] earning third-team all-Big Ten Conference from Pro Football Focus.[8] After the season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal.[9]
Virginia
Washington transferred to the University of Virginia to continue his collegiate career.[10] In week two of the 2023 season, versus James Madison, he brought in five passes for 119 yards and a touchdown, and in week three against Maryland he notched nine receptions for 141 yards.[11] In week four, Washington had a career performance, totaling ten catches for 170 yards and two touchdowns, but the Cavaliers would fall to NC State.[12] He was named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) wide receiver of the week.[13] Washington finished the season with 110 receptions for 1,426 yards and nine touchdowns.[14]