Washington Football: Hunter Bryant ready for breakout 2018 season

The depth and overall potential of Washington football on offense is bolstered by a talented tight end like rising sophomore Hunter Bryant.

Washington Football has some turnover in the receiving corps entering 2018. Most notable of the lost talent is versatile star receiver Dante Pettis, who’s effect was felt the heaviest on special teams. However, a breakout candidate for the upcoming season is former highly-touted four-star recruit Hunter Bryant.

A Huskies squad loaded with talent entering 2018 is positioned to be a favorite in the Pac-12 this year. The defense does have more proven experience returning in 2018 than the offense. However, seniors like quarterback Jake Browning and running back Myles Gaskin.

The UW offense will rely a lot on some rising sophomores and juniors, maybe not so accustomed to the spotlight, in 2018. Bryant is the top breakout candidate among all those skill position players on the offensive side of the ball.

Before going down with an injury in 2017, Bryant caught 22 passes for 331 yards and one touchdown. His role should be expanded considerably with Pettis out of the picture. And, the Huskies will need a younger weapon to show out with Browning and Gaskin in their final seasons.

Finding another potent weapon is a huge key for UW’s future on the offense. Chris Petersen brought in two great recruiting class the past two years. Bryant is one of those prospects that is sure to make a huge difference in his final three years in Seattle.

At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Bryant is going to be tough to stop after he gets the ball in his hands. He already averaged 15.0 yards per catch in his first year at the college level. If Browning can find him deep more often, Bryant will see that average increase. UW is the type of offense that can really take the top off opposing defenses.

There’s a chance that UW can build one of the better receiving corps in the nation over the next two years. Between John Ross and Pettis starring the past two years, the Huskies seem to always have the answer.

Next: Grading Washington Football's 2018 recruiting class

Next up for them should be rising sophomore wide receiver, and former four-star recruit Ty Jones. Bryant and Jones have the highest ceiling of any pass catchers on the roster. It’s only a matter of time before they shine through as two of the next high level producers in the Pac-12.