Washington Huskies Football: Can Kasen Williams Catch 100?

As the folks over at the UW Dawg Pound noted recently in an analysis of the Husky wide receivers, Kasen Williams has made it his goal to catch 100 passes in 2013. That’s a big number. In the NFL, over a 16-game schedule, it’s something that happens fairly routinely, but in the shorter college season, it’s a daunting task. In 2012 a total of 10 D1 players managed to reach triple digits. Some were minor conference guys, but three big-time players topped the list: USC’s Marqise Lee had 118, while West Virginia’s duo, Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey, both nabbed 114.

Oct 29, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Kasen Williams (2) runs with the ball after making a catch during the 2nd half against the Arizona Wildcats at Husky Stadium. Washington defeated Arizona 42-31. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

You’ll notice that those three all operate within an offense that allows for that sort of high-level individual production. For USC Lee was simply targeted again and again and again as the focus of the entire offense. At WVU, the system is so fast-paced and pass-happy that room exists for two stars.

But what about Washington? Assuming that Kasen is ready to take a sizable step up from his 77 catch, 878 yard, 6 touchdown 2012 after a full off-season, will Coach Sark’s system allow for quite so large a step?

Bishop Sankey broke out last year, and he will be the greatest focus of Washington’s offensive effort. That isn’t anything new (Chris Polk…). There’s also ASJ to share the lime-light (and the targets). But a total lack of secondary production from the wide receiver spot in 2012 leaves those two alone on the roster as proven pass-catchers. Still, I have a hunch that four-star freshmen Damore’ea Stringfellow, Darrell Daniels, and John Ross may come on strong enough to demand a sizable chunk of the targets by mid-season.

To me, that says that if Kasen is going to make his goal a reality, he will have to serious elevate his play. Last year it was the Kasen and ASJ show, and with those freshmen and the complete establishment of Sankey as a feature-back, it’s unlikely to be as much of a two-man effort. I wouldn’t bet against him, but I say 85-90 catches is more likely.

Unless Keith Price magically forgets 2012 ever happened and it’s Alamo Bowl-style all 2013, in which case 100 catches would be a given.

It could happen, right? Well, either way, let me know if you think Kasen will catch 100.