Washington football closed its 2018 recruiting class on a high note. Which incoming freshmen could become starters for Chris Petersen and the Huskies?
Chris Petersen has been one heck of a recruiter since taking over at Washington. That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise seeing as he was an above-average at Boise State. Recruiting at a Power Five program with resources like Washington has to be much easier.
In fact, his 2018 class was one of the best in the country and second-best, behind USC, in the Pac-12. There are plenty of potential instant impactors in the Huskies’ incoming freshman class.
Which five incoming freshmen could start for the Huskies in 2018?
The Washington Huskies are going to be looking to replace a couple of offensive linemen this season as Andrew Kirkland, the starting left guard, and center Coleman Shelton are both graduating. That leaves two open spots on the line with a talented guard coming in with the 2018 class.
Sam Taimani has a strong 6-foot-2, 320-pound frame which could fit in well at left guard, right guard or even, in a pinch, center. He’s a big guy who needs to work on his lateral quickness and moving his feet, but he has the skillset to be an issue for opposing defensive linemen.
Chris Petersen will have a decision to make this fall when he’s piecing together his offensive line. Does he want to trust the incoming four-star freshman who is ranked No. 208 overall and as the seventh-best guard in the class or does he want to go with a vet?
Guys like Devin Burleson, Matt James and Jesse Sosebee could will push for those open spots as well, but don’t count out Taimani.