Of the University of Washington running backs, Cam Davis and Dillon Johnson appear to be potential headliners, Daniyel Ngata brings breakaway speed, Richard Newton is known for his toughness, Sam Adams II won't go away and freshman Tybo Rogers almost fits the mold for the DeBoer/Grubb offense better than anyone.
Missing anyone?
Oh yes, Will Nixon. He's hard to define and even harder to ignore.
As the only Texan still on the roster where there were once five, Nixon arrived from Nebraska last season and somewhat surprisingly contributed right away on game day, but he got hurt a couple of times in the process.
The son of an NFL running-backs coach, Nixon was told he needed to get bigger and stronger to withstand the rigors of a Power 5 running back — and he took it to heart.
"I would say one thing, Will Nixon put on some weight," DeBoer said at the end of spring ball. "He got tripped up a time or two, but I just think he's been one of the most improved guys across all the skill positions."
Going down the roster from No. 0 to 99, Nixon, who wears No. 8 on offense, is next up in a series of profiles about each of the Huskies' scholarship players and assorted walk-ons, summing up their spring football performances and surmising what might come next for them.
Nixon brought a solidly built 5-foot-11, 200-pound physique to spring football, an increase of 10 pounds, and he held up well throughout March and April while nearly half of his fellow UW rushers were hobbled and unavailable at some point.
He's listed on the roster as a running back/wide receiver, but he's strictly a ball carrier through and through. In fact, a back who catches passes. A most versatile player in Montlake.
Somewhat unsung after appearing in just two games in two years as a receiver for Nebraska, Nixon joined a long line of UW running backs and got on the field right away, demonstrating plenty of physicality. He drew snaps in 11 of 13 games, the same as Davis, and was outdone only by Taulapapa, who played in every outing.
While four other backs have hit the transfer portal in the past 12 months, Nixon just sticks his nose in there and battles.
He arrived at Washington with four seasons of eligibility and appears determined to play a lot before he's done with Seattle.. While the Huskies haven't made him a wide receiver per se, he caught 7 passes for 66 yards coming out of the backfield to show he could do it.
While other backs have chosen to give in and move on, Nixon has let the DeBoer staff and his teammates know he's willing to do whatever it takes to prove his durability and play more.
"He's proven that in the scrimmages and constantly being ready to go each and every day," DeBoer said. "That room is certainly a lot more competitive and I'm proud of them the way they're attacking it."
WILL NIXON FILE
Service: In the 13-game schedule of 2022, Nixon sat out only against Michigan State and Texas in the Alamo Bowl, nursing injuries each time. Counting a couple of brief appearances for Nebraska, he's got 13 college game under his belt.
Stats: As this newfound Power 5 running back, something his Big Ten team didn't envision, Nixon rushed 21 times for 89 yards and short touchdown runs against Portland State and Stanford, with a long gainer of 13 yards. As a receiver, he caught those 7 balls for 66 yards, with a long reception of 18 yards..
Role: Nixon could become another Cam Davis and be a tough runner who gradually adds to his role before he becomes a part-time starter or more for the Huskies. As the son of an NFL running-back coach, he has a built-in work ethic that should continue to reward him.
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