Washington Huskies 2012 Evaluations: WR Kasen Williams

October 6, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Kasen Williams (2) runs the ball against Oregon Ducks cornerback Avery Patterson (21) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Statistics: 77 catches for 878 yards and 6 touchdowns.

What He Did In 2012: After a freshman season that ended with several big games, I basically expected Williams to step up and be that number one receiver everyone expected him to be. And while he certainly was the number one wide receiver on the team by a longshot (he also caught more balls for more yards than ASJ), I think 77 for 878 and 6 doesn’t quite live up to the expectations I had. I was thinking more like 1,000+ yards and at least 8 or 9 scores, it’s just that my expectations might have been a little high for a true sophomore, especially with Price’s struggles.

What I Expect Of Him In 2013: Now, a year later, I will make the same predictions for Kasen that I made, prematurely, before 2012. I think he will catch between 80 and 90 balls for a little over 1,000 yards and right around 8 touchdowns. To me, that sort of means that he has arrived and fulfilled potentials as an upperclassman. To do that, he needs to improve on his ability to get open and make catches over the middle of the field, and deep down field. Kasen is physically superior to almost anyone defending him, or anyone else at the wide receiver position, so when he gets the ball in his hands, he punishes defenders and gains yards after contact far better than what is typical for the position. But in 2012 he would often disappear for long stretches when it came to down field passing, and it seemed he often only caught the ball along the sidelines or via the screen game.

I don’t know how much of that is caused by Williams’ shortcomings as a route runner, how much of it falls on the playcalling and offensive scheming, or how much of it is Price’s fault. It’s tough to tell, but if that can be improved, Williams will have a big year. He’s so close, and I think he’ll get there. If he doesn’t, there will be pressure on him as a senior in 2014. If he does, he might be in the NFL in 2014.