Washington Football: 5 freshmen who’ll have instant impact in 2017

With an experienced group of starters in 2017, Washington football still has a bright future after a solid recruiting class.

Head coach Chris Peterson built a good roster for the Washington Huskies. Junior quarterback Jake Browning and running back Myles Gaskin lead the way. Washington loses star receiver John Ross but have Dante Pettis and Chico McClatcher to step up in his place.

With the No. 22 recruiting class in the nation in 2017, Washington could have a few breakout freshmen. They’ll start a few freshmen. Receiver Ty Jones and cornerback Byron Murphy are the names that stick out as freshmen.

The departures of Sidney Jones, Budda Baker, and Kevin King leave some holes in the secondary. Taylor Rapp and JoJo McIntosh lead the secondary but both are safeties. Murphy and junior Jordan Miller should start at cornerback.

Peterson is not know for starting a lot of younger players. He takes time to develop his roster, especially on defense. There are exceptions like Browning and Gaskin starting as freshmen. The depth chart shows mostly experience on both sides of the ball.

Washington won the Pac-12 a season ago and made their first appearance in the College Football Playoff. Next step would mean repeating as Pac-12 Champions and getting to the National Championship Game.

The freshmen in the 2017 class are the future for the Washington football program. Once Browning, Gaskin, Pettis, etc. leave the next crop of Washington stars need to be ready. Some of the more talented recruits in the 2017 class should get some exposure this season.

Now, let’s take a look at five freshmen for the Washington Huskies that will have an instant impact in 2017.