Insights gleaned from Washington Husky football's spring training sessions | Examination of Notable Developments
* UW Huskies Football: Rebuilding the Offensive Line ***
Jedd Fisch and his coaching team have finally established a roster of their own design, combining Washington returners, transfers, and new portal additions after taking over in 2024. Last year, during their first spring game, the Huskies only had seven available offensive linemen.
Now, after a full spring under Fisch, the coach believes he has a team that understands his program and the culture he's pushing. In typical Fisch fashion, he declared, "We've got a good team. We're big. We're strong. We're fast. Now we've got to put it all together and see if we can execute."
Let's dive into three takeaways from UW's spring practices:
1. Strengthening the D-Line
Washington's interior defensive line depth took a hit four games into their first Big Ten season when Jayvon Parker suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. The Huskies relied on senior defensive tackles Sebastian Valdez and Jacob Bandes after Parker's injury, with Valdez ranking 53rd nationally among defensive tackles.
This spring, however, the Huskies have more options to call upon. Anterio Thompson (6-foot-4, 306 pounds) arrived from Western Michigan, and Simote Pepa (6-3, 350 pounds) comes from Utah. Elinneus Davis (6-2, 315 pounds) and Logan Sagapolu (6-2, 345 pounds) are back after contributing last season, and healthy springs for Bryce Butler and Armon Parker have provided additional depth.
Butler, a 6-5, 315-pound junior college transfer, missed most of the 2024 season with an injury, while Armon Parker hasn't played in a game yet in his fourth season at UW. Defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi commented, "He was out there running around. Looked pretty good, for the most part."
With Washington facing run-heavy Big Ten teams, defensive coordinator Ryan Walters will appreciate the increased depth and versatility.
2. Guard Wars
Three positions on the offensive line seem firmly in place – Carver Willis at left tackle, Landen Hatchett at center, and Drew Azzopardi at right tackle. However, the guard positions remain fluid.
At left guard, the Huskies primarily used Paki Finau (6-5, 310 pounds), who started the 2024 Sun Bowl, and John Mills (6-6, 320 pounds) in spring practices. Right guard offers more options, with Geirean Hatchett (6-3, 310 pounds), Zachary Henning, Champ Taulealea, and Finau all competing for snaps.
Fisch has a history of playing freshman offensive linemen if they show enough promise, and Henning, who is also the second-string center, could be a dark horse candidate to force his way into the starting lineup in the fall.
3. Wide-Receiver Upheaval
Denzel Boston, Giles Jackson, and Jeremiah Hunter were the primary targets in 2024, accounting for 184 of the 202 catches made by UW wide receivers. Only Denzel Boston (UW's leader in receiving touchdowns) remains on the 2025 roster.
Newcomers like Omari Evans, Rashid Williams, Audric Harris, Kevin Green Jr., and Washington's 2025 recruits will need to step up to replace Jackson and Hunter. Overall, the Huskies will be looking for players who fit their offensive style and can help fill the vacant spots.
Justice Williams, a 6-4, 210-pound receiver who sat out the 2024 season with an injury, could be the wildcard. He showed his potential as a vertical threat during the spring and has a physical frame to match Boston's.
UW still has time to figure out who will start alongside Boston. Fully healthy fall camps for Rashid Williams, Evans, and Vines-Bright could help determine who will play significant snaps at wideout in 2025.
- In Seattle, the sports scene is buzzing with the readiness of the UW Huskies for their upcoming football season, particularly the rebuilding of their offensive line.
- After a complete spring under Coach Jedd Fisch, the UW Huskies' offensive team seems poised to execute, with a stronger understanding of the coach's program and culture.
- The interior defensive line of the Seattle-based team, hit hard by injuries last season, has seen an influx of new talent, including Anterio Thompson from Western Michigan and Simote Pepa from Utah.
- The battle for the offensive line's guard positions, with candidates like Paki Finau, Geirean Hatchett, and Zachary Henning, is far from over, as Coach Fisch keeps his options open for young, promising players.
- The Seattle Seahawks, not to be outdone, are also gearing up for their American-football season, with their practices weighed heavily on disintegrating their opponents' defenses, just like their football counterparts, the Huskies.
- The Mariners, another popular sports team in Seattle, are also preparing for their spring season, with their hitters honing their skills in anticipation of an NCAA-football style of play.
- Sports analysts across the nation are keeping a close eye on the Seattle sports world, with the UW Huskies' football rebuild, the Seattle Seahawks' aggressive offensive strategy, and the Mariners' new approach to their game, promising an exciting year in sports analysis for the city of Seattle.
