Washington Huskies: True Freshmen To Watch in 2020

Every February (and now December) college football teams sign a new class of football players to join their program. It’s exciting to dream about what a prospect can become in the future but come September, some of those freshman will redshirt and wait for their opportunity to shine, while a few will be given the chance to make an immediate impact this season. In this series we will take a team by team look at the true freshman who could be given the opportunity to make a name for themselves in 2020. Today we will look at the Washington Huskies true freshmen to watch in 2020.

Mark Redman – TE

The Huskies lost their leading receiver from a year ago in TE Hunter Bryant when he declared early for the NFL Draft. Bryant went undrafted and the Huskies are left with a glaring vacancy at tight end. Cade Otton played well in his time last year and is likely to step into the starting role at tight end in 2020. After Otton, there are a few players who can play tight end but none that have had significant production. Jacob Kizer, Devin Culp and Jack Westover are all on the roster and will play tight end and/or the fullback/ H-Back spot for the Huskies. Redman is a true tight end and will be in the mix to provide depth at tight end and see action in two tight end sets right away.

Mark Redman was a star at Corona Del Mar High School in California. He has excellent height and length for the tight end position along with the frame to get stronger and bigger. He is an athletic player with the ability to create separation in the passing game. Redman has the length and frame to be a reliable target in the middle of the field. He does well in contested catch situations and high points the ball well on jump balls. Redman is a capable blocker for a young player which increases his chances of seeing playing time early. With his size and ability Redman is an ideal candidate to play early at tight end. He will be in the mix in 2020 and we believe he can be a contributor on offense sooner rather than later.

Jalen McMillan – WR

The Huskies lost a lot of production at receiver after the 2019 season. Aaron Fuller led all receivers in catches, Andre Baccellia and Chico McClatcher were also productive at times last year, but all three have moved on. Terrell Bynum is back and is the most productive receiver returning in 2020. Puka Nacua showed glimpses of his talent in 2019 and should have a bigger role in 2020. Beyond that there are talented players but none that have proven themselves to be effective at the college level. McMillan and fellow freshman Rome Odunze will join this group and attempt to earn a spot in the receiver rotation for the Huskies.

Jalen McMillan had an ultra productive career at San Joaquin Memorial High School in California. He has an excellent combination of height, length and speed at the receiver position. McMillan has good acceleration and is difficult to jam because of his long arms and quickness off the line. He separates with ease and is able to get in and out of his breaks smoothly. McMillan has the hands, body control and catch radius to make plays on most balls that are thrown in his direction. He is electric with the ball in his hands and will be difficult to keep off the field. McMillan would benefit from getting stronger but that will come with time in a college weight program. He is already too explosive and talented to not see time as a true freshman and earn a bigger role as the season progresses.

Myles Murao – OL

The offensive line is never an easy position for a true freshmen to see playing time. But in 2020, Washington loses 2019 starters Trey Adams, Nick Harris and Jared Hilbers. As if that wasn’t enough to replace, key backup Henry Roberts is also gone, so there is a need for players to step in and start and provide key depth in 2020. There is limited experience returning and the team will need to find three new starters and at least a couple key reserves who will play this year. Murao enrolled early and has had the benefit of winter conditioning with the team. He is an advanced prospect who has the ability and opportunity to make an impact in 2020.

Myles Murao was a standout at Mater Dei High School in California. He has a good frame and can add more strength but looks like he is already strong enough to play at the college level. Murao has good feet and technique for a young player and probably has the athleticism to play anywhere on the offensive line. He has the quickness to handle pass rushers but also the power to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage. Physically, Murao is a capable player across the offensive line right now. He could be a reserve at any spot for the Huskies and will provide good depth across the line at a minimum. His versatility and talent will get him more playing time as he could slot in at numerous spots on the offensive line. We expect Murao to be a starter at guard or center before the season ends.

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Renovated Husky Stadium image taken by Oran Virivincy is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.