Washington is tasked with replacing a potential first-round talent at the X wide receiver position. Denzel Boston is off to the next level, and it leaves a significant void in passing targets in this offense. In each of the last two years, Boston was targeted on over 25% of Washington’s total passing attempts. He alone accounted for over a quarter of the Huskies’ passing game since 2024. In terms of numbers, replacing him will be a challenge, but the transfer portal acquisition of Christian Moss is a quality starting place. We previously discussed his utilization during his time at Kennesaw State and how that might translate to Washington. To aid in that transition, there’s a former four-star and true freshman to keep tabs on as the practice sessions begin. That player is Jordan Clay.
Replacing Washington’s X-Receiver
Jordan Clay
Among the two outside wide receiver positions on Washington’s depth chart, Clay has the tools as a freshman to pressure the expected starters for a seat at the table. At 6’-3” and 200 pounds, Clay has the ideal frame for an X receiver. And as a high school player, Clay was simply better than the competition. Much of that was due to his ability to elevate to the football and win contested catch battles with strong hands. But the other piece of his skillset was the chemistry he had with his quarterback.
When you look at Clay’s high school film, his quarterback often threw the football just in the general direction of his 6’-3” receiver. Clay, frequently doubled up in coverage, could win those 50/50 pass battles for downfield receptions and positive yards. That confidence Clay had earned in his quarterback is something that can translate to the college level with Demond Williams.
X-Receiver Chemistry
A year ago, Boston was targeted on over 50% of Washington’s downfield targets of 10-plus yards outside the numbers. Williams discussed his connection with Boston oftentimes throughout last season. He described how, if mismatches presented themselves or if he had one-on-one coverage, he had confidence to let Boston make a play on a jump ball.
This is the kind of chemistry that makes the X receiver position so dangerous to opposing defenses. At the high school level, Clay seemed to have that with his quarterback. As spring practice progresses later this offseason, the development of a similar chemistry is something to track. In addition to Moss and Clay, even Bodpegn Miller and Justice Williams, a pair of 6’-4” receiver targets, will work to build confidence in their connection with Williams. Should Clay and others take that step, the passing game could continue to be a strength in the Fisch offense on Montlake in 2026.
Main Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
