Ty Washington is gearing up for a standout role in his second year with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, bringing a fresh edge to their tight end lineup. With spring training on the horizon, the Irish's tight end room is buzzing with talent. Among the returning players like Cooper Flanagan, who’s back from injury, and sophomore James Flanigan, Washington is making his presence known.
Washington, a former Arkansas transfer, has been hard at work, adding muscle and honing his blocking skills to elevate his game. "I've definitely put on more muscle," he shared.
"Being more physical is crucial if I’m stepping into a bigger role. I need to catch the tough passes and execute everything within the offense."
Last season, Washington was primarily utilized as a blocking tight end, a role he embraced with pride. Despite catching just five passes for 34 yards and a touchdown, his blocking prowess has seen significant improvement.
"I had to refine some technical aspects, like keeping my hands inside," Washington explained. "In this league, against players like Boubacar Traore and Bryce Young, it’s essential to maintain that inside position."
As a Georgia native, Washington is eager to expand his contributions on the field. This spring marks his first full training session with the team, and he’s ready to take his game to new heights.
"Improving my all-around blocking and route running is key," he said. "There's always room to tweak and enhance.
I believe I’m a strong route runner, but there’s always a notch higher to aim for."
With Washington’s dedication and the depth of talent in Notre Dame's tight end roster, fans have every reason to be excited about the upcoming season. His growth and potential could be pivotal in shaping the Irish's offensive dynamics.