Washington Huskies: Will John Ross Return for his Senior Year?

Rumors are already circulating about John Ross’ future with the Washington Huskies, but he has stated he won’t make a decision until after the season.

Entering this season, college football analysts were not entirely sure what to expect from John Ross. We knew he possessed elusive speed, but what kind of impact was he going to have, especially after missing all of the 2015 campaign with a torn ACL?

In the end, the answer was conclusive, as Ross shredded opposing secondaries on the way to one of the best receiving campaigns in school history. By the end of the regular season, his 17 touchdown receptions were the second-most ever for a Washington Huskies‘ player, while his 1,122 receiving yards ranked fourth.

As a result, a lot of experts are predicting a player who has been compared to DeSean Jackson, will forego his senior year with the Huskies and declare for the 2017 NFL draft. The general consensus is that the wide receiver is good enough to be selected somewhere between the mid-to-late picks in the first round.

More from Washington Huskies Football

• Washington State Football: Update on former Cougars in the NFL 12/2018
• Washington Football: Update on Huskies alumni in the NFC – Nov. 2018
• Washington Football: What you need to know for WSU 11/23
• Apple Cup: History leading up to the 2018 edition
• PAC-12 Football Power Rankings week of 11/21 – Emerald City Swagger

However, as far as the 2016 Associated Press Pac-12 Player of the Year is concerned, any speculation can take a back seat until after the College Football playoffs. All he is concentrating on right now, is preparing to face the Crimson Tide in the Peach Bowl.

Speaking to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, Ross said: “I’m going to sit down with the coaches and sit down with my parents and I’ll make a decision based off that.

“I’m just so focused on this Alabama defense. I can’t get nowhere if I don’t pass that (test).”

In truth, it makes perfect sense for the Long Beach, California native to take this approach. After all, the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2017 NFL draft, isn’t until January 16th.

Further, what better stage to promote yourself and audition for the NFL, than playing against the best team in College football? Certainly, Ross can’t wait for December 31st.

Ross said: “I’m just so excited about this team and this opportunity. I want to go play tomorrow.”

While there’s no guarantee the 22-year old will go to the NFL, players in his position normally do leave school early, when they are projected to be a first rounder. As such, Dawgs’ fans should make sure they appreciate watching him play against Alabama, just in case it’s the final time he puts on a Huskies’ uniform.

Next: Joe Mathis leaves Washington to prepare for NFL combine

Obviously, most Huskies’ fans would like Ross to return for his senior year. However, do you think he will stay or declare for the 2017 NFL draft, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.