The Husky Haul
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Washington Football: Looking for a breakout player in 2019

By Roman Tomashoff

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen reacts to a call during the first half in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen reacts to a call during the first half in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Washington Football signed a great recruiting class in 2018, but who among them will take a big leap forward in 2019?

Washington football has been trending down on offense since making the College Football Playoff in 2016. But, with possibly the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft in Jacob Eason, and a great returning cast of weapons around him, but the Huskies have a sleeping giant waiting on the bench, who has a chance to break into the starting lineup in 2019.

Marquis Spiker was a beast in high school, and the 6’3 receiver is ready to shine on Montlake. He set the record for receiving touchdowns in California, hauling in 72 over his three seasons at Murrieta Valley High. He finished his senior year with 1,490 yards and 27 touchdowns, and a lot of Husky fans expected that to carry over to Montlake. The same was thought for Ty Jones in 2017, but he didn’t see much time towards the end of the season.

Spiker was the highest rated recruit in Chris Petersen’s 2018 class, and the second highest rated to commit to Petersen, after Budda Baker. He has the size and skills to make an impact any time he steps on the field, and he probably developed some great chemistry with Eason in 2018 while working with him on the scout team. That is something that shouldn’t be overlooked going into the spring game and then summer camp.

Keep an eye on Spiker taking over Andre Baccellia‘s spot, and Aaron Fuller sliding inside to play more of a slot receiver’s role.

With a combination of Spiker and Jones on the outside, with Fuller in the slot and Hunter Bryant down the seam, this Husky offense will be a force to be reckoned with. Eason has the capability and arm strength to make all the throws, and everyone around him has big play potential.

If everything clicks in 2019, don’t be surprised if Washington is the top passing offense in the country. If Eason can tear up Byron Murphy and Taylor Rapp in practice, he’ll make the rest of the Pac-12 look silly with weapons like these.

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