Washington Huskies Football 2020 Re-Preview
Paku Nicua, Washington Huskies football.
Offense
Lake has his work cut out for him this year. Seniors Jacob Kizer and Isaiah Gilchrist opted out of playing this year due to COVID-19 concerns. There will be no impact on their eligibility because of the opt-out. I can’t fault any player for opting out because of this pandemic that is still ravaging this country. The bad news is the Huskies won’t have them on the field this season.
Besides the opt-outs and navigating a football team through uncharted pandemic waters, there is also no definitive starter at quarterback. The most crucial position to a football team is wide open after 2019 starter Jacob Eason turned pro. Coach Lake isn’t tipping his hand about the QB depth chart. At a recent press conference, he said, “all of those guys are getting reps.”
Only four starters return from 2019 for new offensive coordinator John Donovan. At least one area is settled. Whoever wins the quarterback battle will be in good hands behind a huge offensive line.
Washington’s run game should be lethal with those hog mollies plowing the road. Speaking of the ground game, Richard Newton is primed for a big year. He scored 10 rushing touchdowns in 10 games last year and will look to improve on his TD’s per game in 2020.
One thing this offense lacks is a go-to wide receiver. For the past few seasons, Aaron Fuller was the star attraction. He’s now a member of the Seattle Seahawks practice squad.
Maybe the QB who wins the starting job will fall in love with one of the wideouts, and he can become the go-to receiver. There is some hope that either Terrell Bynum or Puka Nacua can be that guy. Although last season’s main tight end Hunter Bryant is with the Detroit Lions, Cade Otton is a proven commodity. He makes for an attractive short-to-mid-range target.
Won’t. Be. Denied. 💪
Terrell Bynum’s 2️⃣2️⃣-yard catch sets Richard Newton up for the TD.
📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/jK1bETlv2j
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) December 22, 2019