Washington football 2017: Projected Huskies depth chart
Defense
Notable Losses: Much more so than on offense, the Washington defense incurred a number of massive losses that will be hard to replace. Cornerbacks Sidney Jones and Kevin King are gone, as is safety Budda Baker. Also no longer around is Elijah Qualls up front and edge rusher JoJo Mathis, who was brilliant before getting injured last season.
DE: Jaylen Johnson, junior (RS)
DT: Vita Vea, junior (RS)
DT: Greg Gaines, junior (RS)
Though Greg Gaines was dealing with an injury in the spring, this unit should be a strength even with the loss of Qualls. Vita Vea is a legitimate first-round draft prospect with unreal size and uncanny quickness for that size. Jaylen Johnson and Gaines, if the latter stays healthy, are both formidable as well.
OLB: Connor O’Brien, senior (RS)
ILB: Azeem Victor, senior (RS)
ILB: Keishawn Bierria, senior (RS)
OLB: Trevis Bartlett, freshman (RS)
Connor O’Brien is another guy who’s been dealing with injuries, but has the experience on the edge if he can get healthy. That’ll be key opposite the inexperienced Trevis Bartlett, though the redshirt freshman is quite talented. Experience reigns at inside linebacker and Azeem Victor coming back from an injury last season should be a star.
CB: Byron Murphy, freshman (RS)
FS: Taylor Rapp, sophomore
SS: Jojo McIntosh, junior (RS)
CB: Jordan Miller, junior
Nickel: Myles Bryant, sophomore
Considering what a strength the secondary was last season, it’s understandable to be somewhat concerned with the inexperience of this group. However, Byron Murphy has a ton of talent despite his inexperience. What’s more, this group as a whole is versatile and talented. It could all come down to just staying composed and mistake-free given the lack of burn everyone outside of Jojo McIntosh has seen.
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Special Teams
K: Tristan Vizcaino, senior
P: Joel Whitford, freshman (RS)
PR: Dante Pettis, senior
KR: Chico McClatcher, junior
I wouldn’t at all be surprised of McClatcher took over both punt and kick return duties give Pettis’ assumed role in the offense. Either way, the Huskies are set there. Relying on a freshman punter is always a bit worrisome, but Tristan Vizcaino can step in there should Joel Whitford struggle.