Fisch Says Washington Will Rotate Six Receivers Into Big Ten Play

Injuries forced young Washington wideouts into action, and coach Jedd Fisch says the group's depth now allows a six-man rotation.

Washington coach Jedd Fisch told reporters at his Monday press conference that his team is using more wide receivers than at any point in his tenure. He said past squads relied on three starters plus a backup, but this season the gap in talent within the group has closed enough to justify a six-receiver rotation.

The situation was forced partly by injury. Fifth-year transfer Christian Moss, who arrived from Kennesaw State and opened the season as a starter, went down with a soft tissue injury on Washington's first offensive play of the Apple Cup. Sophomore Dezmen Roebuck, the lone returning starter, has led the way with 23 catches.

Younger players have taken advantage of the open roles. Sophomore Chris Lawson has worked as an outside speed threat, and freshmen Jordan Clay and Trez Davis each caught their first touchdown against Eastern Washington.

Injuries have also hit the backfield, where transfer running back Jayden Limar and sophomore Quaid Carr are out, along with third-year back Jordan Washington, who was hurt during spring practice. The receiver room's production has been a bright spot as a result.

The group now faces a step up in competition with Big Ten play beginning. Stiffer secondaries will test a pass-catching corps short on experience, but the rotation gives position coach Kevin Cummings flexibility to keep players fresh.