2022 Georgia Football Profile: TE Darnell Washington has breakout junior year

Georgia football tight end Darnell Washington is heading into his third season with the Dawgs, and 2022 will be the year we see him take his game to another level.

At 6-7 and 270-pounds, Washington is not your typical tight end, but to be that big, he provides a massive target for starting quarterback Stetson Bennett.

Georgia has the best tight end room in the country, including Washington. After a less-than-ideal season in 2021 that included an injury that set back Washington, he is looking to make 2022 his best one.

At his size, he can be a force of nature, and it’s time everything clicked for him. This year is when it all goes right for Washington, and he will leave a giant footprint on the program.

Georgia football tight end Darnell Washington is ready to take that next step on the field.

Throughout Fall Camp, reports suggest that Washington has been the guy who is being vocal and stepping up as a leader. He has also been someone that reports suggest has had a big Fall Camp in terms of growth.

Even though he hasn’t quite had his breakout season, Washington could shock the world this year, and it will be glorious.

Let’s look at what Washington brings to the Dawgs’ offense in 2022.

Strengths

One of Washington’s biggest strengths is his size. He is a massive mismatch, which gives him an advantage. Washington is also one of the best blockers outside the offensive line. He is great with his downfield blocking and always helps pave the way for the ball carrier or receiver looking to gain more yards.

Washington has great hands and speed to be as large as he is. He is an overall solid tight end that has great qualities.

Weaknesses

As for his weaknesses, he isn’t as aggressive in his route running. Washington doesn’t always play up to his size, and that is a shame because he is so massive that lobbing the ball his way should result in a catch, but it doesn’t always happen. If Washington could be more aggressive, it would allow him to create better separation to score more often and record more receptions.

A few times, he struggled to get open in 2021, so the biggest thing is learning how to create separation. If he is crisper in his routes, that separation will increase his production. Once he can do that consistently, Washington will be a deadly weapon for Georgia.

Overall, Washington has far more strengths than weaknesses, but those things he needs to fix are what will take his game from good to elite.

Video Highlights of Darnell Washington

2022 Season Prediction for Darnell Washington

Last season Washington recorded 10 catches for 154 yards and one touchdown. That touchdown came against Alabama in the SEC Championship game. He missed the first four games of the season but still averaged 15.4 yards a catch. It felt like he could never get much momentum going, but in 2022 that will be different.

We predict Washington will record 20 catches for 500 yards and five scores. He should increase his production level with another year under his belt. Washington will show how much he improved from his sophomore to his junior year, and it will be mindblowing.

Check out more profiles on the Georgia football starters:

• Stetson Bennett, QB
• Kenny McIntosh, RB
• Brock Bowers, TE
• Adonai Mitchell, WR
• Ladd McConkey, WR
• Kelee Ringo, CB
• Jalen Carter, DT
• Nolan Smith, LB

Washington is too big not to make a statement in the SEC, and now that he is healthy, it’s his time to shine. This year will be a big one for Washington because he is finally taking on the role he was destined to have.