Washington Football: 5 players to watch this Spring

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Defensive back Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies makes an interception touchback against tight end Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

2 of 6

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

On two occasions, we really got to see what rising sophomore tight end Hunter Bryant can do given the spotlight on offense. Bryant came into his college career as a versatile talent that could provide value on both sides of the ball.

UW looks to use Bryant at the tight end spot, especially with the senior starter Will Dissly running out of eligibility. Among the Huskies’ three leading tight ends in 2017, Bryant did reel in the most receiving yards, but Dissly led in receiving touchdowns.

Bryant returns with rising senior Drew Sample, to compete for who will get the most targets. But, Sample was the third leading tight end, among the three players, in both yards and touchdowns last year. The job should be Bryant’s for the taking.

The real reason to watch out for Bryant in 2018 is the fact that he is a potential breakout player on the national stage. He actually only finished behind star receiver Dante Pettis in total receiving yards in 2017, and that number will only go up this year as long as he stays healthy.

Home/Washington Huskies