Low on Giants' depth chart, Corey Washington stands tall
National team defensive back Tyree Mills, right, of Southern Utah, breaks up a pass intended for American team wide receiver Corey Washington, of Newberry, during the first half of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, in Carson, Calif. Credit: AP
Corey Washington may come from the smallest of schools but he's quick to remind anyone that when it comes to Giants wide receivers, there are none bigger than him.
"I'm the tallest receiver on the roster," the 6-4 rookie from Division II Newberry College said Thursday at Giants minicamp.
Washington originally signed with the Cardinals after he was undrafted this spring, but he was waived before the month of May had ended. The Giants, who were intrigued by his stature and who lack a traditional long-limbed receiver, quickly pounced and claimed him.
"I feel more at home," he said of his second NFL team in a career that isn't even two months old. "The guys here, they welcomed me right away. I love the coaches, the coaches love me. Everything is great."
That's not to say that Washington is a sure thing to stick around. He's currently way down at the bottom of the depth chart. But because of his height, he does offer the Giants a weapon near the goal line.
"I'm that red-zone type receiver," he said.
Washington, who grew up in Charleston, S.C., played at junior college power Georgia Military and signed a letter of intent to play at Arkansas. Unfortunately for him, he did not have enough credits and ran into an academic roadblock from the NCAA and had to go to a Division II school. He chose Newberry, about 15 minutes from his home.
What's Newberry known for?
"Cheerleading," Washington said. "Newberry has a good cheerleading team. And wrestling. They have a lot of All-Americans in wrestling."
There also are two other NFL players from Newberry: Packers tight end Brandon Bostic and Chiefs cornerback Ron Parker.
One thing Newberry is not known for is big football crowds. Washington said his college games would draw a few hundred fans. The largest audience he ever played in front of was about 4,500. Now he has a chance to play in a preseason game this summer and soak in a crowd at least 10 times larger.
"It's going to be overwhelming, but it's going to be fun," he said. "I like the crowd."
Washington said he believes he can make the Giants' final roster.
"I'll work, that's it," Washington said. "Keep showing them I have that 'want to.' Get after it every day, grind hard, and show them I can make plays and that it doesn't matter what school you come from."
Besides, Washington may have played in Division II, but he doesn't see himself as a Division II player.
"I'm a Division I player," he said. "I committed to go to an SEC school, but I didn't have the grades so I had to go to a lower level. I don't see that as a problem for me."
