'Nothing But Smiles' For Myles
November 28, 2015 | Football, General
By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
Throughout the season, when Myles Gaskin has found his way into the end zone, his celebrations have been subdued.
The true freshman understands the importance of acting like he's been there before. So, during most of his 10 touchdowns, he simply flips the ball to an official and then takes a few slaps on the helmet from teammates as he runs toward the sideline.
But on Saturday in the Apple Cup, when Gaskin scored on 5-yard run early in the fourth quarter, he let his emotions loose. They poured out of him in a shout that seemed to carry from the moment he crossed the goal line until he made his way back to the sideline.
When asked to explain the sudden burst of emotion, Gaskin said it started with a feeling that everything was coming together for the Huskies during their 45-10 win over Washington State.
"We were really putting it together, just growing as a team," Gaskin said. "It's one of those feelings you can't really explain. The only people who understand are the Dawgs on the field with you and the guys on the sideline when you come back dapping them up and all that stuff.
"It's just a great feeling."
On this particular touchdown, Gaskin admitted he was "a little bit winded."
"Oh man, we were in the huddle, called the play," he said. "(Running backs) coach (Keith Bhonapha) looked at me, he knew I was a little bit gassed."
Before the Huskies ran out to start the play, Bhonapha had some simple advice for Gaskin.
"You score now, you get to come out," he said.
That's exactly what Gaskin and his Washington teammates did.
"Alright, that makes sense," Gaskin thought to himself as he settled into his spot behind the offensive line. "We went out there, tried our best to score. We did it and I was happy. It was just one of those moments where we were like, 'Man, we're really doing this.'"
After finding the end zone and helping secure a win for his senior teammates, Gaskin couldn't contain his emotions.
"It's amazing," he said. "I'm nothing but smiles. I'm just enjoying it."
As Gaskin talked about his day and that scoring play, senior Brian Clay walked by with a wide smile on his face. Gaskin was asked if he could picture the day when he plays his last Apple Cup.
He laughed.
"I'm not skipping any years," he said.
The true freshman finished the day with 138 yards and two scores on 32 carries. He now has 1,121 yards on the season, passing Chris Polk (1,113) to secure a freshman single-season record.
"It means a lot," he said. "I'm very thankful, very blessed. It's a great opportunity. I don't think it's really set in."
He understands the importance of the accomplishment, but he deflects much of the credit to his teammates.
"I really thank the O-line, the receivers going out there and blocking safeties and corners," he said. "It's opened up things for me. (The record) it's a great stat, but there's more to it.
"There are 11 guys on the field and they help me out every single play. I'm just very thankful for those guys being on the field and the leadership they've been able to give me."
Just one season into his college career, this is only the beginning for Gaskin.
"I'm going to continue watching film, going to practice and working against one of the best defenses in the country, honestly," Gaskin said. "Those guys go at it every single day. Those guys make me better every single day. Practice makes everybody better, but practicing against one of the best defenses, in my opinion, in the country is just a great luxury to have."
