We have finally entered week No. 1 of college football. Today, Kalen DeBoer released Washington’s first official depth chart for Saturday’s matchup against Kent State. Although there weren’t many surprises here are a few takeaways.
Running back room of transfers
If you notice on the depth chart, there is just Wayne Taulapapa and Will Nixon listed. Just like everyone thought right? Going into fall camp we knew running back was arguably the most questionable position group on the team and the most open for competition. And the two transfers took advantage. Taulapapa runs very hard and has 1,192 career rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. He’s not going to blow you away but he’s very consistent. Will Nixon is more of a surprise. He played at Nebraska as a wide receiver but transitioned over to RB at UW. Catching the ball out of the backfield is important in this offense and Nixon has the hands to do the job. It’s also too early to count out New Mexico transfer Aaron Dumas who saw plenty of action in both camps. As Richard Newton and Cam Davis continue to get healthy don’t be surprised if they enter the mix down the road as well.
Major depth on the edges
The Huskies on paper look to have four legit pass-rushers. Washington’s pass rush at times was non-existent last season. But this year that should change. Enter in a healthy Zion Tupuola-Fetui, and a more experienced Bralen Trice, Jeremiah Martin, and Sav’ell Smalls. This group has a chance to be very special. Sure you are counting on experience to be the difference maker but this group is extremely talented. Washington will play a more aggressive style of defense this season and it should benefit this group.
Huskies offensive line starting three new faces
Washington’s starting offensive line features three players that have never started a collegiate game before. Corey Luciano, Roger Rosengarten, and Nate Kalepo are each starting their first game this Saturday night. The good news is it should be a soft-landing facing Kent State and Portland State the first two weeks before a showdown with Michigan State in week three. Washington will be without star left tackle Jaxson Kirkland this week. So this group hopefully by Michigan State can find their rhythm heading into that week.
Important to remember to take the depth chart for what it is
A lot of people take the depth chart a little too seriously sometimes. After covering UW during the Chris Petersen era, I learned not to take too much stock into it. During his tenure, UW would go weeks without updating their depth chart even when changes had occurred. A lot of coaches don’t like releasing their depth chart as they view it as a competitive disadvantage. Or like UW, they will wait to release their depth chart until the opposing team does.
