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BYU Football: Scouting the Schedule – Washington

By Shaun Gordon

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies throws a warm up pass before the start of the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies throws a warm up pass before the start of the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is tackled by defensive back Taylor Rapp #21 of the Washington Huskies as he rushes the football during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is tackled by defensive back Taylor Rapp #21 of the Washington Huskies as he rushes the football during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The Defense

Defensive Line

Washington brings back two of three starters along the defensive line, but they’ll have a big hole to fill with Vea’s move to the NFL. The nose tackle spot is set with the return of senior Greg Gaines, and Benning Potoa’e (Jr.) will resume his end spot.

There’s still a bit of a battle to replace Vea, though. Either Jaylen Johnson (Sr.) or Levi Onwuzurike (So.) will win out at that spot, and the loser will provide depth along with Shane Bowman (Sr.) and Jared Pulu (Jr.)

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Linebacker

Just like along the line, two of the three starting linebackers from 2017 are back for another season. Ben Burr-Kirven (Sr.) led the Huskies with 84 tackles, and Tevis Bartlett (Sr.) led the team with 12 tackles for loss.

Expect to see DJ Beavers (Jr.) land the other starting spot, but he’ll be challenged by  Ryan Bowman (So.).

One name to watch out for is freshman Ale Kaho. The 5-Star recruit will push for playing time immediately.

Secondary

The Huskies use five players in the secondary, and they have six returning players who started at least six games last year.

Taylor Rapp (Jr.) is a First Team All-Conference free safety, and he’ll anchor the secondary, along with strong safety JoJo McIntosh (Sr.), a Second Team All-Conference performer. Myles Bryant (Jr.) will return in the nickle position.

Three cornerbacks will fight for two starting spots, and they’ll get the majority of the time at the position. Those three are Jordan Miller (Sr.), Austin Joyner (Jr.), and Ryan Bowman (So.)

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