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5 reasons Washington makes the College Football Playoff

By Jeremy Morris

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 04: Washington's (8) Dante Pettis (WR) pumps up receivers and running backs before the game between the Washington Huskies and the Oregon Ducks on November 04, 2017 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 04: Washington's (8) Dante Pettis (WR) pumps up receivers and running backs before the game between the Washington Huskies and the Oregon Ducks on November 04, 2017 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Washington Huskies wide receiver Chico McClatcher (6) (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Washington Huskies wide receiver Chico McClatcher (6) (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Receivers ready to emerge and improve the passing game

Jake Browning threw for 2,719 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2017. Those are solid numbers for most players and most programs, but coming off of a sophomore season that included 3,430 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes, last season was a regression for Browning and the Huskies passing offense.

Dante Pettis, who led the team in receptions and yards in 2017, finished his career with 2,256 receiving yards and 24 touchdown receptions. He was drafted in the second round this past April and leaves somewhat of a void to fill as the No. 1 receiver. Washington has a blend of experienced veterans up and coming young players ready to replace Pettis and then some this year.

  • Chico McClatcher, Sr (5-feet-8, 175 pounds) – MeClatcher was expected to be key to the Huskies’ passing attack in 2017 but an injury forced him to miss all but three games. As he returns in 2018, Browning will get back a dynamic big-play receiver who can line up on the outside, in the slot or even the backfield. As a sophomore in 2016, he totaled 574 receiving yards and averaged 18.5 yards per reception.
  • Aaron Fuller, Jr (5-feet-11, 190 pounds) – As a sophomore in 2017, Fuller was the team’s third-leading receiver. Through the spring and camp so far this summer, Fuller and Browning have developed serious chemistry. The speedy, elusive junior is poised to become a number one target on offense in 2018 and is also expected to take over punt return duties from Dante Pettis.
  • Ty Jones, So (6-feet-4, 215) – Jones is a tall, physical receiver who saw action in a couple of games as a freshman last year. He’s emerged as a big-time target in traffic and red zone situations with his size and athleticism over the offseason.
  • Andre Baccellia, Jr (5-feet-10, 175 pounds) – Baccellia is a reliable redshirt junior who played a backup role last season. He’s a precise route-runner with good hands and a knack for coming back to the ball and knowing how to get open when plays break down. Coaches expect him to have a breakout 2018 season.
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