Mickens Is ‘Always Ready’ For UW

By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com

For Jaydon Mickens, confidence is never an issue.

The junior receiver expects to have performances like he turned in against Oregon State, scoring touchdowns of 56 and 34 yards in Washington’s 37-13 win on Senior Night at Husky Stadium.

His belief that the next play provides an opportunity for a big moment is the driving force behind his success.

“I’m always ready,” said Mickens, who caught five passes for 84 yards to go with two carries for 41 yards. “That’s the confidence you’ve got to have, especially playing wide receiver.”

As he stood in the hallway outside the locker room, Mickens said his goal Saturday was to secure a win for the seniors.

“We came out here today to play for them, and them only,” he said. “We wanted to show everybody we’re a capable football team and we can be a powerhouse at this university. We’ve taken some good strides and we’ve still got a ways to go.”

Whether they were celebrating touchdowns or firing imaginary arrows at each other, the Huskies were focused on fun against the Beavers.

“That’s something we told ourselves, something the seniors put a big emphasis on – just play loose,” Mickens said. “Hours before the game those guys were jumping around, ready to go.”

Mickens provided some early excitement, scoring the game’s first touchdown on a deep ball from quarterback Cyler Miles.  

“I just ran under the ball," Mickens said. "It came a little short. I wanted to get the guy’s eyes turned around and then I made an adjustment to the ball and it was over from there.”

Then, in the third quarter with Oregon State still within striking distance, Mickens sprinted 36 yards for a score that was set up by his teammates.  

“DiAndre Campbell and Joshua Perkins had two tremendous blocks,” he said. “DiAndre sealed the edge and Perk got the cut block. It was off to the races from there.”

With the win, the Huskies secured a fifth straight trip to a bowl game. But, instead of thinking about where the team will end its season, Washington is focused on next week’s trip to Pullman for the Apple Cup.

“It’s awesome, but we don’t care what bowl we go to,” he said. “Right now, we’re just worried about WSU.”