O.J. Washington calls himself a “wide tackle.”
The Navy senior plays wide receiver on the football team, but in Coach Paul Johnson?s triple-option offense, receivers are primarily counted on to block, not catch.
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“It?s tough going out there blocking 33 plays in a row and then on third-and-long, coach calls your number to do a passing play,” Washington said. “At that point you really have to concentrate and just accept the challenge with open arms and want the ball because you don?t get it too often.”
Washington started all 13 games last year for the Midshipmen, who finished 9-4 after losing to Boston College in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. He had just three catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. Navy?s other main receiver is junior Tyree Barnes, who had six catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Barnes has made the most of his limited opportunities, as four of his 12 career receptions resuled in touchdowns.
Johnson said those who don?t understand his offense often misunderstand the roles of his receivers. He reiterated they play a vital role, especially when an opponent becomes too complacent defending the pass.
“We can tweak the offense at any time,” Johnson said. “There are times when we can line up four receivers which allows us to throw the ball at any time.”
Navy?s opponents have found that out on a regular basis during the Johnson era. Last season, Navy finished last in Division I-A in receptions (51) and passing offense (56 yards per game), but finished fourth in yards per catch with an average of 14.27, trailing only Louisville (15.39), Oklahoma State (15.07) and Air Force (14.46).
Navy junior quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada said his receivers? blocking plays a major role in producing long runs, as the Midshipmen averaged a Division I-A-best 327 rushing yards per game last season. The Midshipmen finished the season with 4,215 rushing yards, which was at least 300 more yards than any other team.
“They?re receivers first even though they often get called, to block,” Kaheaku-Enhada said. “But when they?re number gets called they are always ready. We?re always ready to throw the ball when we need to.”
