Following high-profile departures like KJ Hamler and Justin Shorter, Penn State’s wide receiver corps is riddled with question marks entering the 2020 season. However, the answer to its receiving woes may come in the form of a true freshman.

Newcomer Parker Washington was listed as a starter alongside veterans Jahan Dotson and Cam Sullivan-Brown on the Nittany Lions’ first depth chart of the season.

Washington arrived in Happy Valley as a four-star recruit this fall. Out of the class of 2020, many coveted him as the most college football-ready prospect.

Washington put up monster numbers during his high school career at Fort Bend Travis High School. His best season came during his junior year when he totaled 75 receptions for 1,486 yards and 18 touchdowns.

During his short time at Penn State, Washington has already turned heads in practice.

“He’s got elite ball skills and body control,” head coach James Franklin said.

Franklin added Washington already knows the offense inside and out. Quarterback Sean Clifford echoed that sentiment and said he’d already heard of Washington’s potential before he came to campus.

“I remember Coach Parker from last year told me one guy to look out for is Parker Washington,” Clifford said. “He’s got a lot of talent and I think he’s going to be able to help us next year.”

Clifford also said he doesn’t usually watch game film on recruits, but it was easy to tell Washington was special from his high school tape.

“He’s everything you want in a young receiver,” Clifford said.

The coaching staff is putting a lot of faith in its underclassmen in some key areas this season. Redshirt freshman Joey Porter Jr. is listed as one of the starting cornerbacks, and the team’s running backs consist of two sophomores and two true freshmen.

Washington’s ability to produce this season may be the catalyst for a breakout offensive season, while a lackluster campaign could indicate a forgettable season from the receiving corps as a whole.

Washington and the Nittany Lions have a chance to impress in just a few days against a talented Indiana team. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. The game will be broadcast nationally on FS1.