Washington Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) runs the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

4. The running backs

If Myles Gaskin isn’t already, he’s potentially the most dynamic player the Huskies have. His 1,373 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns made him into one of the Pac-12’s best players and put him on the map for the 2018 NFL Draft. He’ll look to increase that stock this season.

However, might the running game be an even bigger emphasis this year? With the potential doubts around Browning’s health, is it a possibility?

Jake Browning is being worked lightly through spring practice after shoulder surgery, and while there are four-plus months left until the start of the college football season, Washington may still carefully handle him then. That means more of Gaskin and Lavon Coleman.

In the spring game, we should see Gaskin and Coleman get plenty of work. While the former’s stats are gaudy, the latter running back had 852 yards on just 114 carries in 2016, making for a formidable No. 2 option. If this is going to be an even bigger run-heavy team in 2017, expect the soon-to-be junior to be the beneficiary, and as soon as the spring game.

As for Gaskin, with Ross out of the picture, maybe we see him get more receiver looks. He had 19 receptions in 2016, something that could easily build if the staff chooses to use him as part of a receiver-by-committee replacement.

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