Nebraska Football: Maurice Washington could see increased role in 2019
Washington figures to be in the plans of the Nebraska running game.
Youth seems to be the theme for the Nebraska Cornhuskers offensive side of the football. The running back position is no exception to this. Enter Maurice Washington, the team’s sophomore running back from Stockton, Calif.
As is the case with any football team, Washington was passed over in favor of seniority. Senior Devine Ozigbo had a tremendous year. He carried the ball 155 times for 1,082 yards and 12 touchdowns. Washington held his own. He was the team’s third-leading rusher and did well for himself. He carried the rock 140 times for 629 yards and eight touchdowns. A 53-yard run was his longest of the 2018 campaign. If nothing else, he showed the college football world a little of what he could bring to the table.
More from Husker Corner
- Former Nebraska football star returns to the program in new role
- Travis Hunter injury uproar has some Nebraska football fans reminding Colorado about Adrian Martinez
- Nebraska Football: Freshman RB in line for big playing time
- Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Heinrich Haarberg has believer in Rhule, more
- Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule faces tough decision between Heinrich Haarberg and Jeff Sims
His best game came in the team’s 53-28 win over Minnesota back on October 20. He rushed the ball 14 times for 109 yards and a touchdown. A 22-yard run was his longest of the afternoon. He was efficient with his carries, averaging 7.8 yards per rush. He also caught two passes but only registered a yard. Washington would finish the season carrying the ball 77 times for 455 yards and three touchdowns. He made the most of the limited opportunities he had. At the very least, it gave him a shot at some in-game action, something that could prove to be valuable in 2019.
If there is one thing that is working against Washington, it is that Nebraska has two officially listed running backs in their recruiting class. Three-star backs Rahmir Johnson (Bergen Catholic/Oradell, NJ) and Dedrick Mills (Garden City C.C./Garden City, KS). Mills, in particular, is an intriguing recruit. He is the top community college running back per the 247Sports Composite Rankings and committed to the team in September 2018. There is a very good chance that comes September 2019, he could be the team’s starter.
As it looks right now though, Washington should get more playing time than he did last season. At the very least, he has put together statistics that warned him at least getting a look at the starting job. Of course, as all of you know, training camp is where jobs are won and lost. I know this is looking ahead a bit, but the depth the team will have at running back next year should be a welcome problem.
Top 10 Nebraska running backs of all time. dark. Next
He may not be the team’s first option on offense, but Maurice Washington should figure to play a big factor in 2019. He has the speed to be able to be a game-changer. In addition, his strength is a tremendous asset. He has the talent and skill to make his mark and it will be interesting to see how he does, sandwiched in a stacked Nebraska backfield.