Washington Football: 5 breakout candidates for 2017

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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Chico McClatcher #6 of the Washington Huskies reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Portland State Vikings in the second quarter on September 17, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Huskies defeated the Vikings 41-3. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

That’s right, another receiver makes the list. However, Chico McClatcher has proven himself at this level, unlike the aforementioned Jones. In fact, he caught 31 passes for 574 yards and five touchdowns last season, ranking third on the team.

Some might be tempted to call his sophomore season a “breakout campaign” but he has so much more to offer. The junior wide out isn’t the biggest guy on the field, but he could be one of the quickest. He plays more of a slot-type of role at 5-foot-7, 180 pounds and can speed right by a defender for a deep ball.

To prove that, he led the team in yards per reception average in 2016. OK, he was second to Jomon Dotson, but he had just three catches for 67 yards. McClatcher, on the other hand, averaged 18.5 yards per catch which was more than Dante Pettis and elite NFL prospect John Ross.

With Ross gone and teams worrying more about Pettis as the No. 1 receiver, McClatcher is going to fly under the radar and surprise some teams. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him become one of Jake Browning’s favorite targets, finishing with over 50 catches for 850-plus yards.

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