Washington Football: Huskies hope rebound leads to Playoff berth
By Zach Bigalke
Defense
Eight starters and more than 80 percent of total experience returns to Seattle this season on defense. Several key stars are gone, such as defensive tackle Vita Vea and several talented linebackers. But in general the returning talent gives Washington the type of stout defense required by any team gunning for a national title shot.
Last year’s group ranked fourth nationally in rushing defense. The Huskies were always likely to regress somewhat toward the mean, just as a matter of course. After losing Vea in the interior of the line as well as Keishawn Bierria and Azeem Victor inside at the second level, that is almost a guarantee. The leadership of that trio will be missed, but there is plenty of veteran talent left at every level.
Especially with Greg Gaines back and healthy at nose tackle, the defensive line should have no problem putting a solid effort in against opponents. Sophomore standout Levi Onwuzurike is also getting hype ahead of the new season after posting 3.5 tackles for loss as a redshirt freshman reserve last season.
Focusing on the secondary
Where Washington is likely to excel this year is against the pass. The secondary piled up 15 interceptions last season, and they also gave up fewer than 200 yards per game. That put the Huskies right in the top 25 secondaries in the country.
Experience is going to count this year. Washington returns all five of their top defensive backs from 2017, and the cornerback situation is especially deep. Byron Miller, Austin Joyner, Byron Murphy, Julius Irvin, Myles Bryant, Elijah Molden, and Keith Taylor will all see time in various packages throughout the season.
Safeties Taylor Rapp and JoJo McIntosh are adept at cleaning things up as necessary, and their sophomore backups both have game experience. True sophomore Brandon McKinney had spot duty in all 13 games last year, while redshirt sophomore Isaiah Gilchrist saw action in eight contests. Those two will see more reps this season as they groom to step into more prominent roles in the next few years.