By Todd Milles
The News Tribune
SEATTLE — It’s funny how football has worked out for Chico McClatcher.
Growing up in Federal Way, all he had to worry about was making sure he hit the hole hard at running back, dazzling onlookers with his spiraling feet.
He was as good a tailback as you’re going to see in high school.
But University of Washington coach Chris Petersen never viewed McClatcher as a one-role guy. Sure, he could play in certain formations at tailback. But how good would he be on the perimeter in space?
As the Huskies started their second week of preseason camp Monday, McClatcher is in his third season as a regular contributor.
He is the No. 2 receiver in the offense behind senior Dante Pettis.
“He is so interesting — he is a full-blown receiver. He could be a full-blown tailback,” Petersen said. “He is just that unique guy. He is just very good with the ball in his hands.”
It should come as no surprise that during live team work, quarterback Jake Browning looks for McClatcher a lot.
“Coaches knew what my skill set was coming out of high school,” McClatcher said. “They knew I could catch the ball pretty good, and that I could run decent routes.
“I wasn’t even mad when they put me at wide receiver. It was a new role for me, but I am up for it. I just want to get better at it.”
As a true freshman in 2015, McClatcher played in every game. He totaled 885 all-purpose yards, and had more rushing attempts (19) than receptions (eight).
That ratio changed last season when his catches went way up (31) while his carries stayed about the same (18).
Now with John Ross gone to the NFL, a starting outside receiver spot opposite Pettis has opened up. And starting in spring, McClatcher began seeing more time out there.
“When he came in freshman year, he was a complete running back — with no (receiver) savviness to him. He was full speed the whole time. And there are still times he goes back to that,” Pettis said. “It is kind of crazy just to look back, and you will see a clip of him from freshman year and be like, ‘Geez, Chico!’ It is crazy to see how far he has come.”
Now, McClatcher is working under new UW receiver coach Matt Lubick, who spent the past four seasons at Oregon.
“He is a special player, but an even better person because he is so eager to learn,” Lubick said. “And he knows one speed, and that is full speed. He is one of those guys that you have to slow down because he will push himself beyond exertion.”
McClatcher said he has really taken to Lubick’s guidance.
“He is different from (former receiver) coach Bush (Hamdan),” McClatcher said. “He is more mellow. I kind of like that because that is my personality. We’ve got that good connection going on.”
McClatcher said he spent much of his offseason working on his flexibility and endurance. He ran plenty of hills back home. And he spent a lot of time in Lake Tapps.
“I like swimming, and diving off the docks,” he said. “Mostly just for fun.”
He is up to a toned 181 pounds.
“When you have big muscles like me, you have to take care of them,” McClatcher said, grinning.
“New year, new me — I’m ready to get rolling.”
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