Like life, football is full of twists and turns.
Adam Mohammed was once the future of Washington’s running back room while shining as Jonah Coleman’s backup. Now Coleman is in the NFL and Mohammed is poised for a big year, but in a Cal Golden Bears uniform.
With both of last season’s top rushers no longer on the roster, Jordan Washington found himself next in line. He flashed immense potential in last season’s thrashing of Purdue as he logged 108 yards and a touchdown on one carry, with 68 of those yards coming on a single carry.
On April 4, Washington was lost for the season due to a serious neck injury.
Fast forward to the present day, where we sit 19 days away from a season-opening Apple Cup bout that’ll likely feature Quiad Carr as RB1. The redshirt freshman had four carries for 14 yards last season and appeared in two games. He’s had a strong camp and feels like the clear starter to open the season, given the lack of reps for both Jayden Limar and Trey Cooley as they work their way back to 100% health. Cooley, in particular, has had a challenge staying healthy over the years, so his carries throughout the year likely won’t be high-volume.
Since Washington’s injury, Carr has received RB1 reps, and it’s tough to imagine head coach Jedd Fisch rushing Limar and Cooley back to full speed with a manageable slate to start the season. Here’s the twist. Even when both are healthy, who is to say Carr doesn’t hold onto the job? I expect Washington to get off to a hot start, and I think Carr’s speed will help an offense that already has the potential to be explosive.
But once Limar is ready to roll, I think he’ll be the leading ball carrier after rushing for 262 yards and three touchdowns on 46 carries. All three of those numbers will need to grow significantly if Washington is to take the next step as Husky Nation sets its sights on the College Football Playoff. Fellow Huskies have frequently praised Limar’s leadership since he arrived from Eugene, and his experience makes him a comfortable fit in an offense with the potential to be extremely good.
As for Carr, he’ll rack up meaningful game experience early in the season and should serve as a high-impact change-of-pace ball carrier with younger and fresher legs than Limar.
While Carr is my pick, I should be careful not to sell Cooley short. If there’s a running back that could end up with plenty of touchdowns, it’s Cooley. Similar to what the Seattle Seahawks did last season, when they maximized Kenneth Walker’s health by leaning on Zach Charbonnet near the goal line, there’s an opportunity to do the same with Cooley playing the role of Charbonnet.
In fewer words, if Limar is the Huskies starting running back, Carr will be Washington’s most impactful non-starter. If Carr starts, Limar will claim that title.