Washington Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017
Washington football enters the 2017 season fresh off a playoff appearance, but what does the two-deep depth chart look like?
When Chris Petersen took over in Seattle just three years ago, no one could have predicted that Washington football would experience this much success early on in his tenure. Sure, he had a proven track record at Boise State, but he had yet to coach in a major conference.
The Pac-12 has since been on notice as the Huskies are the reigning conference champions and Petersen is fresh off his first appearance in the College Football Playoff. This program is surely on the rise, but can the Huskies hold off the hype train that is USC in 2017?
Despite returning plenty of key pieces from a playoff team last year, the Huskies are being overlooked by just about everyone, and that’s thanks to the Trojans and Sam Darnold. Flying under the radar isn’t the worst thing in the world, and this team could use it as motivation.
Let’s take a look at the projected two-deep depth chart for 2017.
Offensive Line
Starting tackles: Trey Adams (LT), Kaleb McGary (RT)
Backups: Jared Silbers (LT), Devin Burleson (RT)
Returning to his starting spot at left tackle is Trey Adams who might just be the top starter at the position in the conference. There’s a good chance he makes one of the All-Pac-12 teams this season. Heck, he might be a frontrunner to land on the first-team. On the other side is returning starter, and fellow junior Kaleb McGary. Both are strong competitors and they should lead the unit. They will be backed up by sophomores Jared Silbers and Devin Burleson.
Starting guards: Nick Harris (LG), Andrew Kirkland (RG)
Backups: Henry Roberts (LG), Jesse Sosebee (RG)
On the other hand, both starting guards for 2017 are new. Sophomore Nick Harris will enter his first year as the starter, looking to solidify a spot for the next 2-3 seasons. Senior Andrew Kirkland has waited patiently for his turn and is the projected right guard. Henry Roberts could even push for that starting right spot, but the sophomore is the backup left guard. Jesse Sosebee is backing up Kirkland.
Starting center: Coleman Shelton
Backup: Matt James
Coleman Shelton is the third returning starter on the offensive line and potentially the best center in the entire Pac-12. Besides being an all-conference candidate, he’s a senior leader who led the way for the eighth-best scoring attack and 28th-best rushing offense in the country last year. Junior Matt James is his understudy.