Malik Washington Puts Finishing Touches on Historic Season at Virginia
If there was one singular bright spot from Virginia's bitterly lopsided loss to Virginia Tech to end the season on Saturday, it was that Malik Washington ended his collegiate career and his phenomenal season at UVA with yet another historic performance. Though much of his production came when Virginia was already down several scores, it was important that Washington had a good statistical game as it further etched his name into the all-time UVA and ACC record books and strengthened his case for the Biletnikoff Award.
In his final college football game, Washington recorded a career-high 14 receptions on 17 targets for 115 receiving yards. His 14 catches were second-most all-time by a Cavalier receiver in a single game, behind only Alvin Pearman, who had 16 receptions against Florida State in 2003.
During the game, Washington became just the sixth receiver in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference to have 100 or more receptions in a season and he proceeded to break the ACC's all-time single-season receptions record, previously held by Duke's Jamison Crowder with 108 catches in 2013. Washington finished the season with 110 receptions, breaking that ACC record and leading the entire country in receptions in the regular season this year.
Washington totaled 1,426 receiving yards, second-most in all of Division I FBS football this season and fifth-most in the history of the ACC. With 115 receiving yards against Virginia Tech, Washington went over 100 receiving yards for the seventh-consecutive game and 10th time this season. Washington had more 100-yard receiving games this season than any Cavalier receiver has had in an entire career.
Of course, Washington had already become Virginia's all-time leader in single-season receiving yards and receptions in UVA's week 12 win over Duke, passing Dontayvion Wicks for the receiving yards record and Olamide Zaccheaus for the receptions record. Washington also amassed 1,706 all-purpose yards, combining his 1,426 receiving yards with 273 kick return yards and seven rushing yards, fifth-most in a single season in UVA program history. Going back to his time at Northwestern, Washington ended his collegiate career with 37-consecutive games with a reception.
“For the guy to come in here as a transfer, and now he's in esteemed company - he's one of six players in ACC history to go over 100 catches in a season - that's pretty special. But also speaks to his durability, his availability, the way that he prepares," said UVA head coach Tony Elliott of Malik Washington. "He's a fierce competitor. He continues to find ways to push himself to get better. So, it's been awesome to watch him perform. And I’m just really grateful that he believed in Coach Kitch [Kitchings], myself and this offense to come in and show what can be done within this program.”
Washington echoed Elliott's sentiments after the game on Saturday, as although the season did not go as well as the team had hoped, Washington couldn't help but recognize that he was happy with his individual season.
“I’m happy with the season that I had; not completely satisfied but happy," Washington said. "I put in the work with my brothers. Each and every day we came with that attack mindset. I’m grateful for the season that I had, but it could have gone better.”
Washington should be a no-brainer to make All-ACC First Team when the 2023 All-ACC Football Teams are announced this week and he has a strong case for All-American status as well. He finished the season first in the country in receptions, second in receiving yards, and 19th in receiving touchdowns with nine. Washington is one of 10 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award, presented annually to the most outstanding receiver in college football. The three finalists for the award will be announced on Tuesday, November 28th.
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