Upon discovering his rapid 4.33 second timing in the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting evaluation event, Arkansas running back hopeful Mike Washington Jr. was overcome with emotion.
“My emotions are running high, truly. I’ve dedicated my whole existence to this moment,” Washington conveyed to Stacey Dales of NFL Network.
Washington’s performance in the 40-yard dash surpassed all other running backs during a season that featured the swiftest group of running backs ever recorded at the combine, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Standing at 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighing 223 pounds, exceptional quickness has consistently been a defining characteristic of Washington’s athletic capabilities.
Bruce Feldman of The Athletic placed Washington at number 20 on his updated combine version of the “Freaks” roster.
“I had anticipated he would complete the 40-yard dash in the 4.4-second range,” Feldman noted. “An individual characterized him as ‘exceptionally dynamic’ and suggested he would be a top contender for the most impressive pound-for-pound performer among the running backs.”
Last season, Washington achieved 1,070 rushing yards and scored eight touchdowns. Additionally, he recorded 28 receptions for 226 receiving yards and one touchdown. Both his rushing and receiving yardage, along with his rushing touchdowns, marked personal bests in his career.
He played for three years at the University of Buffalo and one year at New Mexico State before making his move to Arkansas.
