The second-year wide receiver will have an opportunity to show off the improvements he's made this offseason.
The Washington Huskies football team's offense has drawn the eyes of many parties this offseason.
One question pertaining to the offense would be how third-year quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who briefly entertained entering the transfer portal this offseason, would progress in his second full season as a starting quarterback.
Other questions for the offense pertained to how the Huskies would replace two statistical leaders from last season: leading rusher Jonah Coleman and leading receiver Denzel Boston, who were both picked in the 2026 NFL Draft. Boston was selected by the Cleveland Browns and Coleman was drafted by the Denver Broncos.
Washington has found starters to replace both players, second-year Quad Carr (running back) and sixth-year "X" receiver Christian Moss, who will get their first starts with UW when the team plays the Washington State Cougars in the Apple Cup at 1 p.m. PT on Sunday at Husky Stadium in Seattle.
However, when it comes to production on offense, the most likely player to make up the offensive production left by Boston would be second-year receiver Dezmen Roebuck.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound wide receiver received significant playing time as a true freshman last season. He played in all 13 games last year and started 10 and finished his first year of college ball with 42 catches for 560 yards and seven touchdowns.
Roebuck was second on the team in receiving yards and had the most production in that statistic among returning players entering this offseason.
This offseason, Roebuck made the move from outside receiver to slot receiver and has been (by far) the most consistent offensive target for Williams in practices.
Roebuck is almost inarguably the best route runner on the team, and is able to create separation, even against bigger cornerbacks through that ability. The second-year wideout is also able to improvise when his quarterback does, and is able to assess and find the holes in the defense.
Under head coach, and with Moss (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) and fourth-year receiver Rashid Williams (6-foot-1, 205 pounds), the Huskies will likely look to stretch the field and will take many deep opportunities this season.
However, Roebuck's knowledge and experience playing all three receiver spots gives him an advantage very few receivers in the Big Ten have. And the trust Demond Williams has in him will likely make him a very common beneficiary, which can open up the offense and additional opportunities for Moss and Rashid Williams.
