Best Washington football players: Modern-era Mount Rushmore – From Steve Emtman to Jake Browning

Myles Gaskin, running back

Even among the other legendary Husky backs of the modern era, Myles Gaskin reigns supreme. The local legend out of O’Dea High School in Seattle is one of two players in NCAA history (Ron Dayne being the other) to rush for over 1,200 yards in all four seasons of eligibility. Gaskin will always live on in a special corner of Husky fans’ hearts for his work on the field and in the community.

Gaskin, like Browning, is Washington’s leader in pretty much every major category at his position. From rushing yards (5,323) to rushing touchdowns (57), and total touchdowns (62), he set a new standard at the position in the Pac-12. His numbers were good enough to give him the second-most touchdowns from scrimmage, along with the third-most rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in conference history.

A three-time All Pac-12 honoree, once as a First Team selection (2016) and twice as a Second Team honoree (2017 & 2018). Gaskin was Mr. Reliable in Petersen’s offense, and could always be counted on to grind out the tough yards in big moments. Some of his most memorable runs came in the biggest moments, including a three-touchdown fourth quarter in the 2019 Rose Bowl, and a 69-yard touchdown scamper out of the wildcat in the 2018 Fiesta Bowl.

It’ll be tough to match what Gaskin did during his time as a Husky, including giving Husky fans the most memorable quote after a legendary 180 yard, three-touchdown performance in the snow against Washington State in the Apple Cup, “I ain’t ever lost to no Coug.”

After Washington, Gaskin was picked in the seventh round of the NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He only saw 36 carries as a rookie, but after his college years, Husky fans know that if the Dolphins give him more opportunities, he’ll make the most of them.