Washington Football: 5 players to watch in 2017 spring game

Both guard positions lose their primary starters from last season’s offensive depth chart. But Chris Petersen has the advantage of returning a redshirt senior who has a dozen starts over the past two seasons.

Andrew Kirkland is a versatile lineman who has played at both tackle and guard for the Huskies over his time in Seattle. In 2015 he started seven games at the tackle spots, and last year he earned five starts at right guard.

If Kirkland can slot in full-time at the position he split with Shane Brostek in 2016, it would provide the continuity necessary to focus on other aspects of the offense. The right side of the line should be fairly solid as long as Kirkland can hold down his spot for the entirety of the season.

In the spring game, watch to see how well he works with center Coleman Shelton and right tackle Kaleb McGary to open up holes for the running game and keep Browning and the other passers clean.