Lawless Republic
Fansided

BYU Football: Scouting the Schedule – Washington

By Shaun Gordon

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies throws a warm up pass before the start of the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies throws a warm up pass before the start of the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Myles Gaskin #9 of the Washington Huskies runs with the fooball against Penn State Nittany Lions in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Myles Gaskin #9 of the Washington Huskies runs with the fooball against Penn State Nittany Lions in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

The Offense

Quarterback

Jake Browning is back for his senior season, and he’s squarely in the preseason Heisman Trophy talk. The three-year starter threw for 2,719 yards and 19 touchdowns, compared to only 5 interceptions. He completed 68% of his passes. With a more experienced offensive line this year, he could put up even better numbers in 2018.

There’s nobody behind Browning with any college experience, though. Expect to see redshirt freshman Jake Haener as the primary backup, and he could get some on-the-job experience in blowout games.

Running Back

Like Browning, Myles Gaskin decided to return for his senior year. Last year he rushed for 1,428 yards and 21 touchdowns, and added another three scores through the air. He’ll take advantage of the experience line as well, and could break out for a monster final season.

The Huskies lost their second-leading rusher, Lavon Coleman, but Shavon Ahmed (So.) got 61 touches last year for 395 yards. He’ll be a good complimentary piece for Gaskin, and insurance if the senior goes down with injury.

Receiver/Tight End

The Huskies lost both starting wideouts from last year, including leading receiver Dante Pettis. However, they bring back plenty of receivers with experience, including Aaron Fuller (Jr.), Chico McClatcher (Sr.), and Quinten Pounds (Sr.).

McClatcher could be the best of the bunch. He started 2017 as one of Browning’s top targets before missing the rest of the season due to injury.

Washington brings back two experienced tight ends. Hunter Bryant (So.) was the Huskies’ second-leading pass-catcher last year, racking up 331 yards. Drew Sample (Sr.) is back as well, but he serves as more of a blocker than a receiver.

Offensive Line

Four of Washington’s five starters from 2017 are back for this season. They’ll be led by All-American candidate Trey Adams (Sr.) at one tackle, with Caleb McGary (Sr.) at the other.

Jesse Sosebee (Sr.) is entrenched at the right guard spot, but left guard and center are still a bit in question. Nick Harris (Jr.) started at guard last year, but he’ll likely shift over to the open center spot.

If that happens, look for Luke Wattenberg (So.) to get the starting guard spot. If Harris stays at guard, then Matt James (Sr.) will likely take the starting center position.

Home/BYU Football