Looking back at Washington’s 1000 yard receiving seasons: Andre Riley, 1989

Oct 12, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA;  A Washington Huskies helmet sits ready on the sidelines before the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Oct 12, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; A Washington Huskies helmet sits ready on the sidelines before the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Man, here’s a trip all the way back in a time machine. Compared to a lot of the wide receiver stats and history and legacy that we’ve discussed recently, we’re going pretty far back when we talk about Andre Riley and the 1989 season.

I mean, we’re talking about a season that happened well before any of the Washington Husky football players currently on the roster were born. Heck, this happened a fair bit before I was born. It’s been a little bit since this incredible season from Riley.

I’m fully prepared for people to get mad about that. But, well, it was a while ago.

Anyways, Riley had a really strong season in 1989, especially when you consider that this was a record-setting sort of receiving performance in an era that receivers weren’t getting anywhere near the sort of attention and opportunity to get the ball (especially in space) on a regular basis the way that receivers are today.

Washington Husky football history: Andre Riley had some really impressive success for the Huskies back in 1989

It was just a very different era of offenses for everyone. But that didn’t stop Riley from having a really impressive season in 1989. In this season, Riley turned 57 receptions into 1071 yards (which equals a strong 18.8 yards per reception) and five receiving touchdowns. 

The dude was a really impressive and explosive deep threat for the Huskies and it must have been thrilling to see him tearing up opposing secondaries on a regular basis. 

Like say the Arizona State Sun Devils, for example. They gave up 223 yards to Riley. And the USC Trojans allowed him to rack up 143 yards. Shoutout to Purdue as the Boilermakers gave up 137 yards to Riley. Then there’s the Arizona Wildcats, who permitted him to get 120 yards. The Oregon State Beavers managed to yield 110 yards to Riley.

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