For 13 Spring Football Practices, the Washington defense was tasked with attempting to hold its own against a Heisman-contending quarterback and two of the country’s top 10 receivers.  Together, between rushing and passing, the Huskies finished second in the nation in yards per game.  So, if iron truly does sharpen iron Spring Football would show who on the UW defense could cut it.

Here’s a look at five defensive players who appeared to have ascended the depth chart this Spring:

Safety, Tristan Dunn

The 6-4, 189-pound Sumner, Washington product grew up wanting to be a Husky.  After a late flip from Arizona State Dunn worked hard before his arrival last year.  It paid off, seeing the field in 4 games.  Now a redshirt freshman appears to have climbed to the second unit behind incumbent Asa Turner.  And it seems to be a narrow gap, physically.  Mentally is where Turner may have the edge as the Husky coaches consider Turner to be an extra coach on the field.  Any slip-up or injury and Dunn will be ready when called upon.

Linebacker, Edefuan Ulofoshio

After a breakout season in 2019 and being named an All-American for 2020 Ulofosio was sidelined for large chunks of the next two seasons.  He never lost his legendary off-the-field work ethic, but he’s also returned to his spot on the middle of Washington’s defense.  What he’s brought with him is hustle, knowledge, and leadership, but also some much-needed swagger.  He appears to have reclaimed his spot.

Edge defender, Maurice Heims

Edge defender Maurice Heims was carted off the field in the first practice.  Because of the 3 week gap between the first week of practice and the final 3 weeks of spring, Heims was able to make it back to practice and establish himself on Washington’s second defensive unit.  The 6-5, 245-pound German appears to be solidly with the second unit.

Jayvon Parker and Armon Parker

Ask any Husky offensive lineman who impressed them most this Spring and the Parker twins names will be first out of their mouths.  Both tip the scales at over 300 pounds and measure over 6-3 and are usually side-by-side on the second units defensive front.  While Armon was getting healthy last season his little brother (by 12 pounds) played in 8 games.  He recorded his first career sack against Washington State’s Cam Ward late in the game.  Somehow, the Detroit brothers went virtually unnoticed by the rest of the college football world.

Also making moves are newcomers DBs Jabar Mohammad, Thaddeus Dixon, and Ralen Goforth all thought to be starting.