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Washington Football: 5 breakout candidates for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Chico McClatcher #6 of the Washington Huskies reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Portland State Vikings in the second quarter on September 17, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Huskies defeated the Vikings 41-3. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Chico McClatcher #6 of the Washington Huskies reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Portland State Vikings in the second quarter on September 17, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Huskies defeated the Vikings 41-3. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 02: Kyle Evans #21 of the Colorado Buffaloes is tackled by DJ Beavers #15 and Sidney Jones #26 of the Washington Huskies during the Pac-12 Championship game at Levi’s Stadium on December 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 02: Kyle Evans #21 of the Colorado Buffaloes is tackled by DJ Beavers #15 and Sidney Jones #26 of the Washington Huskies during the Pac-12 Championship game at Levi’s Stadium on December 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

Why is no one talking about sophomore inside linebacker DJ Beavers after the impressive freshman campaign he just had? Sure, he’s not projected to start in 2017, but he’s going to be in that two-deep rotation at linebacker behind All-Pac-12 inside backers such as Azeem Victor and Keishawn Bierria.

More: Washington Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

Just how solid was Beavers last season? Well, he finished ninth on the team in total tackles (40) and he also had an interception, deflected a pass and forced a fumble. He was all over the field when he was given the opportunity and it’s not easy to put up numbers like those while backing up two of the most rock-solid inside linebackers in the league.

The former three-star recruit returns to his backup position, but is next in line to start at inside linebacker should one of those two guys go down with an injury.

Heck, The Seattle Times even published a piece recently, talking about how Beavers is one of the most under appreciated Huskies.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

Beavers is going to have a nice season and potentially become a household name in the Pac-12, if not the country. Don’t be surprised to see him make a move to the outside just to crack the starting rotation.

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