Analysis: Which Huskies’ Young Receivers Will Fill Key Roles?
SEATTLE, Wash. — Though we didn’t see them much in the spring, it’s clear that Denzel Boston and Penn State transfer Omari Evans are slated to start for the Washington Huskies this season.
Who's next up seemingly remains up for grabs.
Short of more injuries or a major emergence from UW’s promising freshman class of pass catchers, Boston and Evans will start on the outside.
The 6-4, 209-pound Boston had a breakout season last year as a sophomore, finishing second behind senior Giles Jackson in catches (63) and yards (834) while leading the team in touchdowns with eight. Boston missed most of the spring after what head coach Jedd Fisch deemed a “cleanup” surgical procedure in March. Boston participated in some spring drills and is expected to be fully healthy for fall camp. Evans, a 6-0, 190-pound senior, made some outstanding catches during the first few practices before being held out of most team drills due to an unspecified injury. He’s expected to be ready to go in the fall.
Boston has been showing up in a few 2026 NFL mock drafts as a first-round pick. If the Philadelphia Eagles come calling, general manager Howie Roseman can get some intel from his former college roommate — Fisch. Boston appears to have all the tools of a top-flight wideout, leaving Huskies receivers coach Kevin Cummings to put the ceiling at “best in the country.”
Boston, a lethal downfield threat, may benefit from new Huskies starting quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who shows a stronger arm than did sixth-year senior Will Rogers last season.
Evans transferred to Washington, perhaps in search of a passing game that involves more targets for wideouts. There wasn’t much left after 615 Nittany Lions rushing attempts in 2024 and 190 receptions by tight ends and running backs — including tight end Tyler Warren’s 104 receptions for 1,233. Evans finished second among Penn State receivers with 21 receptions for 415 yards and five touchdowns.
Evans offers the Huskies some downfield speed. He reportedly ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds at Penn State, and that speed was apparent in Washington’s early spring practices. He also worked at punt returner during spring ball. The key for Evans will be consistency both with route running and his hands.
After the top two, there’s a steep dropoff in the receiver room when it comes to guys who’ve caught passes in college football. The talent appears to be there, but Fisch, Cummings and offensive coordinator Jimmie Dougherty will have to determine who’s in line for playing time during fall camp and three non-conference games against Colorado State, UC Davis and Washington State to open the season. A big rotation seems unlikely, as Fisch has generally stuck with his top three for most meaningful snaps during his three seasons at Arizona and last year at Washington.
Having that figured out by the time Ohio State visits on Sept. 27 seems important.
Here’s who seems to be in line for playing time based upon spring practice observations:
Rashid Williams
With Boston and Evans sidelined, Demond Williams Jr. seemed to establish some connection with the 6-1, 190-pound sophomore receiver before he became another receiver sidelined with a minor injury. William was UW’s fourth leading wide receiver last season, catching 11 passes for 138 yards. He spent more time on the outside during spring, but four-star recruit out of Pittsburg, California appears to have enough quickness to play inside as well. He could also eat at Evans’ playing time.
Audric Harris
UW’s coaching staff told Harris to watch a lot of slot receiver tape during the offseason to prepare the 6-0, 190-pound sophomore to play inside. Harris is used to that, as he posted 1,051 yards and 13 touchdowns his senior year at Bishop Gorman, mostly from the slot. Harris, a high three-star recruit, caught two passes for 17 yards while getting into eight games as a true freshman in 2024.
Kevin Green Jr.
Green, a 5-9 junior who transferred from Arizona to Washington prior to the 2024 but was sidelined with an injury, seems to be Harris’ primary competition for the slot. Though just 165 pounds, Cummings noted that Green is one of the better blockers on the team. He caught eight passes for 97 yards for Fisch’s 2023 11-3 season at Arizona.
Raiden Vines-Bright
The true freshman missed much of the spring, but made quite an impression with eight catches for 130 yards and a spectacular touchdown reception in the spring game. He also split a double-team on a post down the field but was overthrown on what would have likely been a 65-yard score. Though one of the most inexperienced players in the spring game, the 6-1, 200-pounder showed veteran body control and awareness along with elite hands. It should be mentioned that he did not catch passes against UW’s top secondary players. But, Vines-Bright will be a wildcard going into fall camp. I could see him becoming UW’s second-best receiver, redshirting, or anything in between. Health will play a role, as Vines-Bright missed most of his senior season at IMG Academy with an injury.
Other freshman
Chris Lawson (6-1, 185) made plays in spring practices, though he dropped passes from time to time. The four-star recruit was productive all four years as a two-way player at Archbishop Riordan (San Francisco). Marcus Harris is built similarly at 6-1, 185 pounds. He showed some deep speed and body control at times in spring. Justice Williams, son of former Raiders tight end Roland Williams, looks the part of an NFL receiver at 6-4, 210 pounds. He looks like someone who will take over for Denzel Boston if the junior departs for the NFL after this season. Williams shows good speed and took some first-team reps while others were out in the spring. He’ll need to refine his footwork to separate from defensive backs. Deji Ajose, another big body at 6-2, 200 pounds, will arrive for fall camp to compete for a spot on the depth chart.
