With the graduation of Isaiah Weston, the UNI Panther offense will lose its leader in receiving yards and touchdowns from 2019 and 2021.

It won't be easy to replace the former All-American and safety net for quarterback Theo Day, but the coaching staff from Cedar Falls has been active in the transfer portal, looking for another big-bodied, talented wide receiver to add to the group.

One of those receivers, George Qualls from Akron, has yet to make his decision.

The other, Devell Washington, has decided his next home will be the Cedar Valley. He made his commitment to the UNI program this afternoon, choosing the Panthers over offers from Illinois State and Alabama A&M, as well as being recruited by other schools like the University of Akron.

Coming out of high school, Washington was a highly-coveted prospect, being the No. 17 recruit in the state of Michigan. He finished his tenures between Bay City Central High and Arthur Hill with 74 receptions, 1,131 yards, and 15 touchdowns to earn scholarship offers from top-tier programs like Iowa State, Kentucky, Cincinnati, Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State.

The Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team member points to a variety of things as to why he chose UNI:

I like the longevity of Coach Farley and the coaching staff. It seems like to be a laid back and family-like feel at UNI. (The Missouri Valley Football Conference) is a great conference that produces a lot of great players.

Given his unexpected path to Cedar Falls, the 6'4 215-pound receiver believes he has plenty to prove to Panther Nation and is ready to show off the gargantuan chip on his shoulder:

Panther fans can look forward to someone that gives their all. Whether catching the ball, blocking, or playing on special teams, they know I’m giving 110%.

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