My podcast co-host and friend Danny O’Neil – not to be confused with Danny O’Neil, the San Diego State quarterback who was recently named the Aztecs’ starter as a true freshman – uses a column format that I find useful for analyzing the known and unknown about a particular team or season.
Season preview: Overtaken UW Huskies face new challenges in the Big Ten
What do we know and don’t we know about the 2024 UW Huskies? Given the coaching changes and roster turnover—my projected starting lineup includes 11 transfers—it’s tempting to answer this question with “not much” and “basically everything.”
But the open training sessions in the spring and during training camp have at least taught us something, even if much about this team remains a mystery.
Ahead of their Aug. 31 opener against Weber State, here are three things we think we know about the Huskies and three things we don’t.
Three things we think we know
The running backs could be really good
Would you believe none of UW’s top eight runners from last season are on the roster? It’s true: Daniyel Ngata, who carried a ball seven times for 23 yards in 2023, is the Huskies’ best returning runner. Still, it’s possible UW could be just as good or better at the tailback position, with Jonah Coleman transferring from Arizona, Cam Davis returning from injury and true freshman Adam Mohammed considered an immediate contributor. Ngata and Sam Adams could also contribute if healthy. Coach Jedd Fisch’s pro-level passing offense could put the quarterback at the forefront, but don’t be surprised if the Huskies find ways to lean on a talented group of tailbacks, too.
The defense will be diverse
I plan to write more about new coordinator Steve Belichick and UW’s defense next week. It’s best described as a basic 4-2-5, but based on what we’ve seen during training camp, we can expect a lot of different formations and a big participation roster, especially up front. I have a feeling the Huskies will play with several different edge rushers in particular, and I’m curious to see how many different interior players will play together. Much else remains uncertain — how often will a true freshman like Khmori House be on the field? In what ways will Voi Tunuufi and Deshawn Lynch be used? — but at least you can expect some variety.
Denzel Boston and Jeremiah Hunter are likely to see many targets
Arizona’s top two receivers, Tetairoa McMillan and Jacob Cowing, caught a combined 251 balls last season, according to Pro Football Focus, just to give an idea of how often the top wideouts might see the ball in a Fish offense. And quarterback Will Rogers has found Boston and Hunter quite a bit this spring and in training camp, both on quick throws and long routes. They both have good size. Hunter brings experience, with 2,084 receiving yards over the past three seasons in California. Boston has made seven catches in his career, but appears to have star potential. Sixth-year senior Giles Jackson also brings experience and steady hands to this pretty impressive starting trio.
Three things we don’t know
What will the offensive line look like against Big Ten competition?
I suppose we don’t know how it will fare against an opposing defense, considering UW’s projected starting lineup has never taken a snap together. But the true test will come when that line has to face the likes of Michigan’s Mason Graham or Penn State’s Abdul Carter. Put it this way: If most Huskies fans were currently happy with a final record of 7-5, they would certainly raise that expectation by a win or two if they were confident the O-line would coalesce quickly. Assuming UW sticks with the same starting lineup it’s used throughout training camp — LT Soane Faasolo, LG Gaard Memmelaar, C D’Angalo Titialii, RG Enokk Vimahi and RT Drew Azzopardi — the Huskies will use three transfer players, a player who sat out last season due to injury and a redshirt freshman who has yet to take a college snap. That would be five players who didn’t play in a game for Washington last season. Amazing, isn’t it?
Landen Hatchett should play a role here at some point. He was able to play some 11-on-11 games, primarily at No. 2, but maybe that will change as he gets healthier.
How will the Huskies use Demond Williams Jr.?
Had to chuckle at Fisch’s response to a question after Saturday’s tryout. Would he consider switching between Rogers and Williams to throw the defense off? “Why would I answer that question?” the coach said, laughing. “But it’s a good question.” I’ve written before that it’s hard to imagine Williams redshirting this season, even if Rogers is the undisputed starter, but that raises the question of how the coaching staff might use him. I don’t see Fisch taking their starter out of the game just to get game practice for the backup, but the Huskies have a chance against Weber State (and maybe Eastern Michigan) to build enough of a lead to give Williams some plays. Beyond that, would they consider a “Demond package” to give him a series now and again?
Who starts at cornerback?
Ephesian’s Prysock is a pretty safe bet for a job, but who joins him on the other side — returning starter Elijah Jackson or feisty senior Thaddeus Dixon? Jackson, by the way, did not participate in the tryout, although Fisch said he was just resting and should be fit for the season. Regardless, it’s been a close contest in the spring and training camp. The better question, aside from the starting lineup, might be how often cornerbacks coach John Richardson decides to change personnel. That goes for safeties coach Vinnie Sunseri, too. I expect Kam Fabiculanan and Cam Broussard to get into the starting lineup at safety, with Jordan Shaw at nickel. But it’s hard to imagine someone like fifth-year junior Makell Esteen won’t spend some time at safety. The same goes for Oklahoma transfer Justin Harrington, who can play multiple positions. Freshman Peyton Waters could also be in the lineup. I wonder how many guys could play between Dixon/Jackson and all of UW’s eligible safeties in Week 1.
This article was originally published on OnMontlake.com, the homepage of Christian Caple‘s complete coverage of UW Huskies football. Subscribe to On Montlake for complete access to in-depth UW coverage.
UW Huskies coverage from Seattle Sports
• How Jedd Fisch impresses former coach Chris Petersen
• Caple: A look at the UW Huskies’ most complete offensive group
• What is Bill Belichick’s role with the UW Huskies? He told Pat McAfee
• Caple: Five newcomers to the UW Huskies are ready to contribute this season
• What’s UW’s QB situation? Something catches Huard’s attention
