If Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. wasn't considered a fan favorite before the NFL Scouting Combine, he'll certainly be one after this weekend.
Washington spent three years at Buffalo and one at New Mexico State before transferring to Arkansas for the 2025 season. Although he faced tougher competition this past fall, he earned second-team All-SEC honors by rushing for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns. Overall, he finished his college career with 2,914 yards on the ground and 470 yards through the air.
While there's no question Washington's college tape is impressive, he put the world on notice this Saturday with his performance at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Washington ran an official 4.33 in the 40-yard dash, giving him the fastest time of any running back in this year's class.
After posting an incredible time in the 40-yard dash, Washington spoke to NFL Network's Stacey Dales. He couldn't help but shed a few tears during their brief conversation.
"I'm so emotional," Washington said. "I've worked my whole life for this."
NFL fans react to this emotional scene.
The majority of the NFL community had nothing but kind things to say about Washington's performance this Saturday. Fans believe he earned himself an awful lot of money with his 40-yard dash time.
"The 40-yard dash is only 4 seconds, but the work behind it took a lifetime. Seeing that raw emotion makes you realize how much this means to these kids," one fan wrote on social media.
"Love to see it. Great run young man," a second fan commented.
"That's not just a 4.33… that's years of sacrifice paying off," another fan said.
ESPN currently has Washington as the No. 3 running back in this year's class, with Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love and Penn State's Nicholas Singleton ranked ahead of him.
As of right now, Washington is projected to be a Day 2 pick.
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