Fansided

30 college football players with big shoes to fill in 2017

By Brad Weiss

Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Dante Pettis (8) scores a touchdown against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Dante Pettis (8) scores a touchdown against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dante Pettis

Wide Receiver, Washington

The Washington Huskies will head into the 2017 season as the favorite to win the Pac-12 Conference. Not only do they return one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Jake Browning, but also a star running back in Myles Gaskin. One huge name missing from their explosive offense from a year ago is John Ross, who was a second-round draft pick in the 2017 NFL Draft this past weekend.

Ross’ impact on the 2016 Huskies cannot be understated, as he was a big reason why the team made it all the way to the College Football Playoff. Browning is expected to be a Heisman contender in 2017, and if he is going to really challenge for the award, he is going to need a big season from Dante Pettis. Pettis did a phenomenal job as the No. 2 wide receiver for Washington last season, and should have no problems sliding into the top spot for 2017.

While Ross is a phenomenal athlete, as he set the NFL Scouting Combine record with a 4.22 40-yard dash, Pettis may actually be the better all-around wide receiver. He has tremendous hands, and his ability to create space is second to none in the Pac-12. Washington has a tough road if they want to repeat as conference champs, and will need all of Pettis to accomplish that feat this season.

Despite being the No. 2 wideout last season, Pettis was extremely productive. He caught 15 touchdown passes, racking up 53 catches for over 800 yards. His biggest game of the season came on the road against Cal, where he caught eight passes for over 100 yards and three touchdowns. It may be hard to eclipse his touchdown total from a year ago, but he should definitely be over 1,000 yards in receiving yards for a Huskies team that is going to be fun to watch on offense.

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