As James Washington leapt, his mom prayed.
Former Oklahoma State receiver Washington reached to the top marker and above the giant video screen behind him in the Cowboys’ locker room as he notched a 39-inch vertical at OSU’s NFL Pro Day on Thursday. When Washington’s feet touched back to the ground, his mom, Chrysta Washington, proclaimed, “Thank you, Jesus.” The rest of the room, filled with scouts from every NFL team, family, media and other prospects, ooh’d.
The mark was 4 1/2 inches more than Washington’s 34 1/2-inch recording at the NFL Combine on March 3. His new tally would have been in the top five at the combine among receivers.