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Washington Football: 5 reasons Huskies won’t repeat as Pac-12 champs

By Jerran Anderson

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Washington Football
SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 12: Defensive back Taylor Rapp #21 (M) of the Washington Huskies celebrates with teammates after making an interception against the USC Trojans on November 12, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Trojans defeated the Huskies 24-13. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

5. The secondary won’t be the same in 2017

The Washington Huskies were a great defensive team last season, especially their secondary. However, losing their top three players could cost them when it comes to facing stiffer competition.

The Huskies won’t have Sidney Jones, Kevin King and Budda Baker next season. While King was out of eligibility, Jones and Baker both left early for the 2017 NFL Draft.

Jones, King and Baker combined for six interceptions in 2016, snagging two picks each. Baker led the team in tackles (70) and tackles for loss (9.5). King led the team in pass break ups with 13. Jones finished his collegiate career with eight interceptions in three seasons.

It will be hard to replace what the trio did for the Huskies last year. On the bright side, they do return redshirt freshman Taylor Rapp. Rapp was the Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year after leading the Huskies with four interceptions last season.

In a pass-happy Pac-12, it will be hard for the Huskies to duplicate their 2016 success. They allowed 182.9 passing yards per game last season, first in the Pac-12.

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