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Washington Football: 5 reasons Huskies will repeat as Pac-12 champs in 2017

By Erich Hilkert

Apr 22, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen high-fives fans as he enters the field for the Spring Game at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen high-fives fans as he enters the field for the Spring Game at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; The Washington Huskies defense lead by linebacker DJ Beavers (15) and defensive lineman Vita Vea (50) stop Oregon State Beavers running back Tim Cook (20) in the back field during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington won 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; The Washington Huskies defense lead by linebacker DJ Beavers (15) and defensive lineman Vita Vea (50) stop Oregon State Beavers running back Tim Cook (20) in the back field during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington won 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Defense

Washington finished 2016 with the eighth-ranked scoring defense in the nation, best in the Pac-12. The closest team in the Pac-12 was 18th-ranked Stanford, averaging almost a full three points more per game (2.7 to be precise). Washington was also the top-ranked Pac-12 team in total defense, allowing 316.9 yards per game, good for 12th in the nation.

The Huskies return six starters from that unit. To be sure, Washington lost the bulk of the secondary with NFL draftees Budda Baker, Kevin King and Sidney Jones.

However, the secondary returns talent in Jojo McIntosh and Taylor Rapp. Rapp notched four interceptions, tied for third-best in the Pac-12. Rapp earned the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year.

While the secondary lost most of its starters, Washington returns two of its three starters on the defensive line and three of the defensive unit’s best players in Vita Vea, Greg Gaines and Jaylen Johnson. Specifically, Vea should be one of the team’s best players, capable of a monster season with his athleticism, size and strength.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Way-too-early edition

First-team All-Pac-12 selection Azeem Victor returns after missing the final four games of the 2016 season due to injury. Even though he missed four games, he finished as the Huskies’ third-leading tackler.

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