Entering the 2023 season, neither Malik Washington nor Malachi Fields had posted big numbers for the Virginia football team. By the end of the 12-game schedule, however, both owned strong seasons that ranked among the most productive in program history.

Washington, of course, spent his one season in Charlottesville writing his name all over the record book. The transfer posted school records of 110 catches (also an ACC record) and 1,426 receiving yards to go alongside 9 touchdowns. He actually reached 1,000 receiving in just 9 games and broke the school record in the 11th game of the season. He earned All-ACC and All-American honors. Prior to that campaign, he had 120 catches and 1,348 receiving yards in four years combined at Northwestern.

Fields, meanwhile, put together a quieter but still impressive 811 yards and 5 touchdowns on 58 catches. Those yards and receptions rank among top 20 seasons in UVA football history. He received honorable mention recognition on the All-ACC teams. In his previous two seasons at Virginia, Fields had 16 catches for 230 yards after missing all but one game in 2022.

While neither player had rolled up numbers quite lack that before, both had shown hints in spring practice a few months earlier that they could be key contributors in the fall. Virginia receivers coach Adam Mims said these 15 practices can provide a great assessment opportunity for the upcoming season.

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