USC wide receiver Tahj Washington accepts Shrine Bowl invite
USC wide receiver Tahj Washington accepted an invitation to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl, which would see him forgo his final year of eligibility and make himself available for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Washington was USC’s No. 1 wide receiver this season, leading the Trojans with 52 receptions and 963 yards. He also scored six touchdowns. Washington had four 100-yard games this season, including three in a row against Utah, Cal and Washington. He was a big-play threat throughout the season, averaging 18.5 yards per reception and hauling in a catch of at least 40 yards in eight different games.
He finishes his USC career with 156 receptions for 2,350 yards and 13 touchdowns in three seasons with the Trojans. Washington also had 46 receptions for 775 yards, plus four carries for 11 yards and seven total touchdowns at Memphis.
He came to USC as a transfer following a strong 2020 redshirt freshman year with the Tigers in which he was named a Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America.
Washington received consistent praise from coaches and teammates alike during his time with the Trojans. He was a willing blocker and contributed on special teams. Washington had some consistency issues catching the ball when he first arrived at USC, but in three years he turned into one of the most reliable receivers in the conference. He took the most offensive snaps among USC wide receivers this season and his consistency and versatility as a slot receiver is something the Trojans will have to figure out how to replace next season.
He’s someone who will impress in every aspect of the draft process and it won’t be a surprise at all to hear buzz about Washington during the Shrine Bowl events.
The 99th annual East-West Shrine Bowl will take place Thursday, February 1, 2024, in Frisco, Texas, at Ford Center at The Star, the worldwide headquarters and training facility for the Dallas Cowboys.
