During Media availability Decker DeGraaf talked about the conference tight end rankings. Another member of the media cited #17 out of 18. To this DeGraaf talked about billboard material in the locker room and deflected to the other players in his position group.
What he failed to mention was himself. DeGraaf finished his freshman season with 15 grabs, 233 yards, and 3 touchdowns becoming a freshman All-American by Pro Football Focus, College Football Network, and 247 Sports.
While the official list couldn’t be cited, most publications have them ranked in the bottom third of the conference. While they might have not have the names of top prospects at the position, the Washington tight ends have a diverse skillset that will help the improvement of the offense.
Returners: I have already written about Decker DeGraaf, but there is more to stay for the freshman All-American. In the 2024 season DeGraaf was primarily used as a deep threat and the second option in the tight end room behind Keleki Latu. This year the connection between DeGraaf and Demond Williams Jr. has been center stage. Williams Jr. has hit DeGraaf on short and intermediate routes as well as deep shots. Outside of Denzel Boston, there isn’t a clear cut favorite second target which DeGraaf has a chance to become.
One of the biggest disasters of the 2024 season was the inexcusable hockey substitution by Weber State. The illegal substitution and blindside low block ended Quentin Moore’s season. Moore was going to be called upon to do what he did best in 2023-block everyone. Moore was an unsung hero with his ability to block especially around the goal line. Moore finally had his moment in the Pac-12 Championship when he put the Huskies up 10 late in the fourth quarter.
DeGraaf said that Moore is one of the most talented tight ends in the country. This year Husky fans will see a full season of a healthy Moore as long as no illegal substitutions occur. He is vital in the blocking game and has the athleticism to be a threat as a pass-catcher as well. He should remind Husky fans of former dual threat tight ends like Will Dissly and Drew Sample.
Transfer: Local 3-star tight end from Lynden Christian, Kade Eldridge, started his colligate career down at USC has moved back to the Pacific Northwest. Eldridge spent one season at SC and caught 3 balls for 19 yards. He stated during media availability that one of the reasons for the move back up to Washington was his belief of his skillset as more than just a blocker.
While blocking will still be a huge piece of what he will do in the 2025 season, the Huskies has been more traditional in their usage of tight ends as pass-catchers as well as blockers.
Freshmen: Redshirt freshman Charlie Cowell, true freshmen Austin Simmons and Baron Naone finish out the room. All three could see some time on the field at points during the season, but will benefit from another year of development in 2025.
Overall: To an outside media member this unit doesn’t have the big names that warrant pre-season accolades. The unit has the tools to be a very solid group in the Big 10. Quintin Moore looks like he could end up in the NFL as a glue tight end that is littered throughout NFL rosters. This room also has a potential stat filler in Decker DeGraaf as a top five receiver on and offense that should be very dynamic.
The issue with this group is depth. After the first two there is a lot of talent, but not much of college production.
Starters: Quintin Moore and Decker DeGraaf
Reserves: Kade Eldridge and Austin Simmons
Tune in to 4th and Inches, a Husky Podcast as Jake Grant, Trevor Mueller, and Coach V preview the 2025 Huskies offense.
