Washington Huskies strength is a deep group of running backs
The Washington Huskies football program is very fortunate to have all three of their best running backs from last season returning in 2021.
When it comes to running the football, look no further than the Washington Huskies. Last year, UW was sixth in the Pac-12, averaging 176.3 yards per game. Husky fans can expect even better results in 2020 as the team brings back their top four rushers.
The three-headed monster
After a disappointing 2019, senior Kamari Pleasant started 2020 as the Huskies’ number one running back. He played in all four games last year, making a pair of starts. Getting the ball in Pleasant’s hands means production. The Rialto, California native had 210 combined yards and 3 touchdowns on 42 touches. So every time he carried the mail, it was good for five yards.
UW’s other senior, Sean McGrew produced at the same high level. The 5-7, 180-pound tailback also appeared in all four of Washington’s games last year with two starts. While Pleasant had 5.0 yards per touch, McGrew was slightly better at 5.2. He picked up 240 yards and 4 TDs on 46 touches.
Junior Richard Newton came on the scene as a freshman in 2019. He had a great debut season rushing the ball 117 times for 498 yards. On the goal line, Newton’s aggressive style was hard to stop which is why he had 10 touchdowns.
It was a mild surprise that he didn’t open the season as UW’s starter. Newton played in the first two games which included 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Huskies 44-27 win over Arizona in Week 2. He didn’t play in the final two games because he was in Head Coach Jimmy Lake’s doghouse.
During spring practice Newton missed a couple of days because of a positive for COVID-19 which turned out to be false. I’m sure Husky fans who came to practices were concerned by his absence. UW fans would love to see Newton as the lead back, showing off what he did during his freshman season. Whether he is number one, or not, Newton will share the load in 2021 with Pleasant and McGrew.
More in reserve
A running back who could see more action is sophomore Cameron Davis, last year’s fourth back. It’s hard to get carries behind the Huskies’ top three, but Davis played in all four games. He had 15 carries for a nice 67 total yards. Davis can also catch the ball with 5 receptions for 26 yards. it says a lot about UW’s depth to have a back of his quality fourth on the depth chart.
Also in the mix at running back are Sam Adam II and Jay’Veon Sunday who both redshirted last year as freshmen. They may do so again because of an added year of eligibility. I’m sure both men would rather take the field than sit out again. One more player to keep an eye on is three-star freshman Caleb Berry from Lufkin, Texas. He comes from a high school program that put 11 players in the NFL since 2000, including Dez Bryant.
Outlook
With a veteran offensive line in front of them, the Washington Huskies running backs should once again chew up yards. That will be important due to the big change over in receiving personnel. UW will control the clock and use the run game to open passing opportunities.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EU3QHaWPuI
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