Denzel Boston has burst onto the scene for the Washington Huskies in 2024.
After spending two seasons behind Rome Odunze, the sophomore asserted himself as a star during spring and fall camp, making spectacular catches during seemingly every practice. That has carried over to Washington’s first season in the Big Ten, where Boston has hauled in 55 receptions for 717 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Those numbers are good enough to place him among Big Ten’s elite in every category. He’s tied with Ohio State super freshman Jeremiah Smith for the conference lead in touchdowns while ranking No. 3 in yards and No. 6 in receptions.
An impressive feat for any sophomore in their first year starting, Boston’s numbers are even more jaw-dropping when factoring in the fact that he’s accrued just 126 yards and a single score in Washington’s last three road games combined.
In fact, he hasn’t found the end zone since the Huskies’ 40-16 loss at Iowa, which is also the last time Washington recorded a passing touchdown. Boston has developed into an elite red zone threat thanks to his athleticism, route running, and chemistry with Will Rogers, but due to some struggles along the offensive line, he hasn’t seen a lot of action close to the goal line in recent weeks.
If coach Jedd Fisch wants to find a way to lead Washington to bowl eligibility, he’ll need to find a way to get Boston going against UCLA’s defense, which ranks No. 17 in the Big Ten, allowing 252.8 yards per game.
The Bruins’ run defense has also been excellent, as coach DeShaun Foster’s team ranks No. 3 in the Big Ten, allowing 98.1 yards per game, which should emphasize Boston’s importance on Friday if UCLA sells out to stop running back Jonah Coleman.