Washington Huskies Football: Reloading at Running Back
Herb Nightengale
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After losing some core contributors, the Washington Huskies need to reload at running back. Here’s a look at who they have ready to go for spring practice.
When the Washington Huskies start spring camp, they have two big vacancies in their backfield to fill. Both Kamari Pleasant and Sean McGrew used up their college eligibility.
Neither was used last season in the manner expected. Whether that was due to injuries or COVID-19, or a combination of both, we don’t know. The offense was terrible in 2021 under offensive coordinator John Donovan. It was so bad that Donovan lost his job after the loss to Oregon. It was a game the Washington Huskies should have won.
Cameron Davis
This spring Cameron Davis comes in as the number one running back. Davis has been in the Huskies program since 2019 but didn’t play much until last year when he appeared in 10 games. The Rancho Cucamonga, California native had 423 yards from scrimmage in 2021 with a pair of touchdowns.
Washington’s Cameron Davis just pulled off the craziest hurdle attempt I’ve ever seen… #Pac12AfterDark pic.twitter.com/40GJ5nwfX8
— Christopher Boan (@cgboan) November 14, 2021
Richard Newton
Last season’s expected go-to back, Richard Newton, only played in four games (three starts). After catching one pass for nine yards and no rushing attempts against UCLA in Game 6, he was injured and missed the remainder of the season.
It was a disappointment after his two previous seasons. Newton played in two of four games during the shortened 2020 season and gained 122 yards on 23 carries for an average of 5.3 yards-per-carry. He had an outstanding season as a redshirt freshman in 2019, scoring 10 touchdowns.
Everything looked like a star in the making, but as of now, Newton is second on the depth chart. He’ll get every opportunity to win the starting job back.
Two Sophs
Outside of Davis and Newton, the Huskies have one other experienced running back who played for them. Jay’Veon Sunday played in four games persevering his redshirt year. He primarily was used as a blocking back in those games, although he did have eight rushing attempts.
Washington also has University of New Mexico transfer, Aaron Dumas. Huskies Head Coach Kalen DeBoer got an up-close look at Dumas in Fresno State’s second-to-last Mountain West game of 2021. In that contest, Dumas ran 143 yards on 21 carries. He could become the starter too.
The rest
Also on the Washington Huskies roster are two running backs from the state of Texas who redshirted in 2021, Emeka Megwa and Caleb Berry. Then there is Sam Adams II, son of the former Seahawks defensive lineman. The Eastside Catholic High School alum will look to finally establish himself after being a nonfactor the last few seasons at Montlake.
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I love the tenacious mentality that #Washington RB Richard Newton possesses. Relentless runner with a physical run demeanor. Shows fluid COD and enough athleticism to be a threat in the 2nd level. A lot to like about him. Just needs to put it all together. I’m a fan #devy pic.twitter.com/dM9tXIdvZH
— Jason DiRienzo (@allpurposescout) June 27, 2020
If at least one of these guys can break out the way Newton did in 2019, it means the Huskies should have a solid rushing attack.