The Husky Haul
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Washington football can’t ignore their two-headed monster at running back

By Karley Sibert

Oct 2, 2021; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Washington Huskies running back Kamari Pleasant (24) is tackled by Oregon State Beavers defensive lineman Cody Anderson (98) during the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Washington Huskies running back Kamari Pleasant (24) is tackled by Oregon State Beavers defensive lineman Cody Anderson (98) during the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington football has something going for them on offense.

That may sound like a joke, but it’s not. Sure, Washington football’s offense has been a joke itself this season but there is a positive, they just have to use it correctly.

The one thing that the Huskies have on offense are two incredibly talented running backs who have shown that they can help convert in critical situations.

It’s a bit ironic that the two running backs who have performed the best are the ones who didn’t play in the first two weeks of the season.

The running back room as a whole is very talented but sixth-year seniors Sean McGrew and Kamari Pleasant have shown to take different strides this season.

Washington needs to run the ball through Sean McGrew and Kamari Pleasant

McGrew and Pleasant were at the top of the depth chart during the four-game 2020 season, with Richard Newton and Cam Davis behind them in rotation.

Head coach Jimmy Lake‘s reasoning for not playing either of these players is inexcusable, especially when it comes to McGrew. We’ve seen what he’s done for Washington football in the past. In the previous four seasons, McGrew has rushed for 854 yards and eight touchdowns.

So far this season, McGrew has rushed for 188 yards and averages 4.9 yards per carry. He also has two touchdowns in each of the three games he’s appeared in for a season total of six, his season highest yet.

McGrew’s direct snaps in the wildcat formation have been one of the few things working for Washington’s offense and I don’t expect them to stray from it soon.

While Pleasant hasn’t quite had the impact McGrew has had, he has also been efficient in the backfield for the Huskies. While Pleasant has zero touchdowns this season, he’s done well by converting on crucial downs and has averaged 6.2 yards per carry.

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Washington tried to force the run at the beginning of the season with Newton and Davis running into a stacked box. However, they’ve done better by changing up the lineup and implementing a more balanced offense, which has allowed more success for McGrew and Pleasant.

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