The Virginia Cavaliers will have to find a new number-one wide receiver after Malik Washington declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. Washington had an impressive season, recording 110 receptions for 1,426 yards and nine receiving touchdowns in his lone season with Virginia. Washington had the most receptions and the third most receiving yards in college football.
The team addressed the receiver position in the transfer portal by receiving a commitment from former Notre Dame wide receiver Chris Tyree.
The Virginia Cavaliers newcomer committed to Notre Dame in 2020.
Chris Tyree committed to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as a four-star recruit during the 2020 season as a running back.
Tyree served as the backup running back to Kyren Williams in his freshman season. Tyree had 496 rushing yards on 73 carries and four rushing touchdowns, eight receptions for 65 receiving yards, and 22 kick returns for 456 yards.
Tyree served as the third-string running back behind Kyren Williams and Logan Diggs during his sophomore season. Tyree had 222 rushing yards on 56 carries and one rushing touchdown, 24 receptions for 258 yards and two receiving touchdowns, and 13 kick returns for 347 yards and one kick return touchdown.
Tyree served as the third-string running back behind Audric Estime and Logan Diggs in his junior season. Tyree had 444 rushing yards on 100 carries and three rushing touchdowns, 24 receptions for 138 yards and two receiving touchdowns, and 15 kick returns for 254 yards.
Tyree switched positions during his senior season.
Tyree switched from running back to wide receiver in his senior season. He had 26 receptions for 484 yards and three receiving touchdowns. He finished third in receptions, first in receiving yards, third in yards per reception, and third in receiving touchdowns on the team.
He also had 11 punt returns for 119 yards and one punt return touchdown.
What impact will Tyree have on Virginia?
Tyree transferring to Virginia will positively impact their team because he brings experience to their receiving corps. Outside of Malachi Fields and Malik Washington, the other receivers didn’t receive much playing time and didn’t have the greatest numbers statistically. Tyree has over 900 receiving yards in his career and is a perfect fit for their inexperienced offense.
Another reason why Tyree transferring to Virginia will positively impact the team is because they need a return specialist. Last year, Washington served as the kick return specialist last season. Since Washington is no longer on the team, they’re going to need a replacement. Luckily for Virginia, Tyree has been a return specialist in every season and has done a good job returning kicks.
Will Tyree lead the team in receiving?
Don’t be surprised if Malachi Fields takes over as the number-one receiver for Virginia next season because he was the second-leading receiver behind Washington in 2023. Fields has been with Virginia longer than Tyree and understands the offense very well.
Expect Chris Tyree to be the second-leading receiver next season.
Virginia has a solid player in wide receiver and return specialist Chris Tyree.
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