Only two schools in the Pac-12 announced for all four 1000-yard receivers this season.
Of the four only two — Arizona sophomore Dorian Singer and Washington third-year star Rome Odunze — made an All Pac-12 first or second-team.
Odunze, who led the conference in receiving yards per game (98.9) and finished tied for third in receptions with Utah tight end Dalton Kincade (70), was named to the 2022 All-Pac-12 first team offense along with USC junior Jordan Addison – Kincade was also named first-team all conference.
Addison, the 2021 Belitnikoff Award winner and a finalist for the same trophy this season, finished his first and likely only season with the Trojans tied for ninth in receptions (59), seventh in receiving yards (875) and tied for the most touchdown receptions (8) in the Pac-12 with UW third-year sophomore Jalen McMillan.
Yet, somehow, the Huskies receiver wasn’t named as either a first or second-team all conference player.
“Oh my goodness, crazy,” Odunze said reacting to McMillan not receiving any postseason recognition.
“It’s ridiculous. It’s hard to even feel honored in those awards seeing a guy like J-Mac not receive a single one. J-Mac deserves way more than that. You can put on the film and see he’s an elite receiver.”
McMillan played in all 12 games for Washington this fall and finished the regular season with 71 receptions, second most in the conference, and third in receiving yards (1,040).
“I feel like we got disrespected this year,” McMillan said after practice on Sunday.
“I feel like I got disrespected this year. I don’t think I’m honorable mention. I think my talent and play speaks for itself.”
As a third-year player McMillan is eligible to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, along with fellow classmate Rome Odunze, despite being classified as a sophomore due to the Covid season.
Neither has yet to make a decision whether they will declare or join Michael Penix Jr. for another season in Purple and Gold.
When asked if he’s accomplished everything that he came to UW to do, McMillan said “No, not yet. There’s still a lot more left on the table. There’s unfinished business.”
Decision Time
As of Sunday no UW player that is eligible for the 2023 NFL Draft has made it publicly known that they have declared.
Odunze suggested after practice that he would like to have a decision made before the Alamo Bowl on December 29, but there’s no question he’s playing in the season finale against the Texas Longhorns.
The same can be said of sophomore left tackle Troy Fautanu, who is also pondering his draft future as well.
“I would never do that to my teammates, “Fautanu said. “I want to play in the game. I’m trying to play Texas. This is my first bowl game – there’s no question at all.”
