Penn State receiver Parker Washington explains decision to bet on himself and leave Lions early despite injury
Penn State needs to replace its top two receivers from a year ago in 2023. Mitchell Tinsley was always going to be gone after just one season in State College. But, the Lions held out hope that Parker Washington would come back for a final year in State College.
That will not be the case, however. Washington announced in January that he would be leaving school early to enter the NFL Draft. It’s true despite a foot injury that ended his 2022 season, and Penn State career, abruptly with two games to go.
“It was at practice,” Washington said of when he suffered the injury. “I rolled over my ankle, so that’s really what happened. It was tough break. It really was. But, just having good support and my team around me helped me go through it.”
Washington was invited to the NFL Combine but did not participate in any drills due to the injury. He also did not do any at Penn State Pro Day. It’s part of the reason why some were stunned that he did not return to school.
However, Washington told reporters a simple fact helped make his decision: Everything in life involves risk and uncertainty.
“You have to bet on yourself and be confident in yourself,” Washington said. “At the end of the day, it is a gamble. If I come back, it’s a gamble. You have to be willing to attack that and put your best foot forward and be confident.”
Where will Parker Washington end up after leaving Penn State?
Penn State has one sure-fire Day 1 draft candidate in cornerback Joey Porter Jr. There are also numerous Nittany Lions with Day 2 potential who could also slide to Day 3. Washington is one of them. Some analysts believe he is one of the 10 best receivers in this year’s NFL Draft class. Others have him well outside of that range. And, undoubtedly the injury plays a role in that.
Washington, who spoke at Pro Day last week, seems at ease with what lies ahead. He said he will soon be full-go again and will likely get to do some individual workouts for teams prior to the selection process, which will only help raise his stock. All told, though, where he ends up is anyone’s guess, and how teams feel about his ankle will play a major role in the ultimate outcome.
“It’s been all over the place,” Washington said about the NFL Draft feedback he’s received. It could be day two, day three; I heard it all. So, it’s an exciting time. It’s an unknown, but I’m just willing to attack it one day at a time.”
