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Washington Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) reacts during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) reacts during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) rushes the ball against the Portland State Vikings during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) rushes the ball against the Portland State Vikings during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Who steps up for John Ross?

Wide receiver John Ross broke out in a big way for Washington in the 2016 season. He had 81 receptions and 1,150 yards for 17 touchdowns, a major increase across the board from 2015. The speed of Ross saw him burn by any Pac-12 secondary, and translated into the fastest 40-yard dash in NFL Combine history.

Well, that makes the task of filling in Ross’ shoes greater. There are candidates to do this, all of whom could be seen in the spring game.

The line starts with Dante Pettis, who played the No. 2 receiver role in 2016. He put up 822 yards and 15 touchdowns and may see an increase in both statistics if Jake Browning targets him more. That may mean All-American numbers for the senior.

Chico McClatcher is the wild card here, however. He’s a burner who led the team with 18.5 yards per reception (minimum of 10 catches) and could see those numbers double with more targets. An early sign of this may be in the spring game, which will get a look at who becomes the No. 2 receiver. There are options from the lower end of the depth chart, but McClatcher seems like the primary option to take this role.

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