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Washington Football: 5 ridiculous predictions for 2017

By Erich Hilkert

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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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) /

2. Secondary doesn’t regress

The Huskies lost a great deal of talent with safety Budda Baker and cornerbacks Sidney Jones and Kevin King moving on to the NFL. However, the team’s third-leading tackler safety Jojo McIntosh returns, along with the team’s fifth-leading tackler and fellow safety Taylor Rapp. Together, the duo should make one of the better safety combos in the Pac-12.

One would expect the Husky secondary to take a major step back after losing three starters, all of whom were selected early in the NFL Draft. But Petersen has built strong depth at the position. McIntosh started 13-of-14 games last season, while Rapp stepped in and started 10 games in 2016. For his efforts, Rapp was named a second-team Freshman All-American.

At cornerback, there is a little more uncertainty, but redshirt freshman arrived on campus last season with some hype. This fall, he has made the most eye-catching plays throughout the course of camp. Myles Bryant is expected to start at nickel back, while the final outside corner spot is still up for grabs. Austin Joyner had a strong fall camp and played as a reserve in 10 games last season. Jordan Miller played as a reserve in all 14 games.

At first glance, one would assume this unit would regress, but there is enough talent to keep this group near the production of the 2016 secondary.

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