Houston Texans free agent spotlight: Nate Washington

Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nate Washington (85) pulls in a pass against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback

(24) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Tennessee Titans won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

College Career

College: Tiffin University

Drafted: Undrafted Free Agent

Believe it or not, it’s a little difficult to find data about a player’s college statistics from a Div II college. Luckily, thanks to gotiffindragons.com, I was able to look at Nate Washington’s stats for the last two years of his college career. And it’s eye-popping.

In 2003, Washington had 70 receptions for 1286 yards and 15 touchdowns. The next closest wideout? 23 receptions, 314 yards, 2 touchdowns. Nate Washington was the face of the entire Tiffin receiving game, accounting for 57% of the yards and 65% of touchdowns.

He only improved in 2004. That season, Washington had 69 receptions, 1428 yards, and 16 touchdowns. His numbers account for 59% of the passing yards and 84% of receiving touchdowns! He averaged more than 20 yards per reception, and was the only receiver to have more than 380 yards in a season.

So why would a player with these statistics go undrafted? Because Washington played for a no-name college team and wasn’t well known. But after making the Steeler’s roster in 2005, he became the first Tiffin player to play for an NFL team. And he would make the most of his chances there.

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