ESPN's Desmond Howard Calls UW Receiver Trio Best in College Football
ESPN College GameDay analyst Desmond Howard said Friday morning what UW wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard likely knows, but won't say out loud.
"I believe that Washington has the best trio of receivers in the country, hands down," Howard said. "It's not even close."
"The former University of Michigan wide receiver and 1991 Heisman Trophy winner sat down before his first on-camera appearance with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to learn more about why the Husky offense is one the best in college football.
"It was just really interesting how he had different attributes to describe each of those three receivers," Howard said. "They’re a phenomenal group of receivers. Obviously, that’s one of the key reasons why he’s been so successful."
The seventh-ranked Huskies' Saturday matchup with No. 8 Oregon features the return of junior wide receiver Jalen McMillan to the offense.
After suffering a lower body injury just before halftime against Michigan State, McMillan didn't return for the second half in East Lansing and subsequently missed the following two games against California and Arizona.
Washington's top three receivers of junior Rome Odunze, sophomore Ja'Lynn Polk and McMillan have totaled 1,387 receiving yards, 235 yards more than Oregon's top four receivers combined.
"They each bring something different and unique to the offense and that’s what makes them special," Howard added.
Odunze leads the team in receiving yards (608) and receptions (32. Polk and senior tight end Jack Westover has him tied for the most touchdown receptions (4) through five games.
During fall camp, Shephard acknowledged that this current group of receivers was the deepest he's had in his decade-long college coaching career.
"This core is super talented from top to bottom," Shephard said. "Because even outside of the top six that I got, I got a couple more that got some ability, too. So, probably yes, I would have to say, yes, this is the most deep (receiver room) I've had."
With McMillan out against the Golden Bears and Wildcats, Polk stepped up for 168 yards and a pair of touchdown receptions on 13 catches.
Another sophomore, Germie Bernard, compiled 118 yards and nine catches in an elevated role with McMillan sidelined.
Even after missing a pair of games, McMillan sits at No. 18 in the Pac-12 with 311 receiving yards, which would place him ahead of three Oregon receivers who've played in every game for the Ducks this season.
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