Before the sun rises, Parker Washington is already at the facility, fueling a breakout season fueled by 4:30 a.m. workouts and a budding connection with Trevor Lawrence.
Parker Washington has been the talk of Jacksonville Jaguars training camp, with the fourth-year receiver continuing to build on last year's breakout campaign.
The connection between Washington and starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been noticeable, with the pair's production shining through during 11-on-11 scrimmages.
Entering this season, Washington has a legitimate shot to become a household name and earn national recognition as one of the best secondary receivers in the NFL alongside Brian Thomas Jr.
But, this type of success doesn't come without hard work and sacrifice, which is illustrated by Washington's unique morning routine.
"I wake up at 4:30, leave by 4:50, get here anywhere between 4:55 and 5, and then I’m starting right when I get here," Washington described. "Quick change, right on the FaceTime with my trainer for prep, and then if we have our lift, right to the lift."
Washington talked about how this can be taxing before training camp begins for the day, but he said "if you want to take it to the next step and go to the next level, and what I’m trying to do, I have to be able to do that each day."
This work ethic has not gone unnoticed, as head coach Liam Coen and various members of the team have talked about making it a goal to beat Washington to the facility.
In late-July, Coen said that Washington has "always impressed him" and is usually the first guy in the building to get extra work in.
Former Heisman winner Travis Hunter added that he and Jakobi Meyers have tried to be the first players in the facility, but can never seem to beat Washington in.
Last season, Washington has his most productive season as a pro by far, catching 58 passes for 847 yards and five touchdowns.
Towards the end of the season, Washington became Lawrence's go-to target, ending the regular season with three games of 85 yards or more, while finding the end zone twice.
After a stellar end to the regular season, Washington looked dynamic in Jacksonville's playoff loss against the Buffalo Bills, catching seven passes for 107 yards and a touchdown.
This offseason, contract negotiations have been had between Jacksonville and Washington, but nothing has yet come to be.
If a deal is not made, Washington is set to play out the final year of his rookie deal, earning an estimated $3.7 million - a steal for a player of Washington's caliber.
But, on Sunday, Washington posted a cryptic emoji following practice, which has fans wondering if an extension is on the way.
Locking down Washington now could save the Jaguars significant money going forward if the fourth-year receiver continues to build on last year's success.
