How promising is Washington receiver Kasen Williams? He wears a number that’s already been retired.
When Williams committed to Washington before his senior season at nearby Skyline High School, he wanted wear a number — No. 2 — that had technically been retired. Williams’ father, Aaron, had worn that number for UW from 1979-82; it had been retired for Chuck Carroll, an All-American in 1928.
Given the family history with the number, Williams was allowed to put it to work once again.
By the end of the 2011 season, the 6-2, 216-pounder showed flashes of the talent that won him a bevy of high school awards, including being selected the Parade Player of the Year.
Williams caught 36 passes for 427 yards and six touchdowns last season, and he turned in UW’s highlight of the season in the Apple Cup, when he leaped over WSU cornerback Nolan Washington during a touchdown drive. Williams scored twice in the first half as UW beat the Cougars to secure an Alamo Bowl berth.
Coach Steve Sarkisian called the season a good start to Williams’ career, adding that one of the keys to the 2012 season is, “Can Kasen take the next step?’’
Indeed, the Huskies need the sophomore to shoulder a bigger burden of the receiving chores after losing Jermaine Kearse and Devin Aguilar, who finished second and seventh, respectively, in UW history in receiving.
Williams admits there’s room for improvement. He skipped track this spring — he was a multi-time state title winner in the high jump, long jump and triple jump at Skyline — to focus on football.
Williams met with Sarkisian shortly before spring ball.
“He said my freshman year I looked good, but that I can do better,’’ Williams said.
“I need to fulfill what he’s looking for. And I think I could have done a lot better last season, too. To go with all this hard work, I need more film studying and being in the weight room more and just showing more dedication to the program.”
Williams said he put on about 10 pounds to become an even more physical presence — he lamented losing a battle for a pass in the end zone at Oregon State that turned into a critical late turnover in a Husky loss.
“And the best thing about it is I feel faster to go with that weight,’’ Williams said.
Able now, he hopes, to reach those lofty expectations.