Kalen DeBoer’s staff is picking up a lot of steam on the recruiting trail. The commitment of Cam Bright makes two from the first weekend of official visits, and it sounds like his staff isn’t done yet. But let’s talk about Bright, and what makes him a great pickup for William Inge’s defense.

Bright is a plug-and-play linebacker, who’s going to make a seamless transition into Washington’s new defensive scheme. The grad transfer should be projected to start alongside Edefuan Ulofoshio in 2022, and that should give Washington one of the best inside linebacker tandems in the Pac-12. Bright has a ton of range, knows how to fill gaps in run support, and is an excellent tackler.

Over the last few seasons, inside linebacker has been the weakest point of Washington’s defense, and while the Huskies have had some excellent players at the position, the team’s run defense has been subpar at best. Adding a veteran leader of Bright’s caliber to the defense will solidify the middle of the field. Before his injury last season, it seemed like Ulofoshio had to plug a lot of holes, and could only do so much as one man trying to play in two gaps.

Bright gives Inge the opportunity to utilize both players to the best of their abilities. Both have shown the ability to create pressure on stunts and when blitzing, and they’re both more than capable of holding their own in pass coverage. For the first time in three or four years, not only will the Huskies have multiple standout inside linebackers, but a solid rotation to keep fresh bodies on the field at all times.

Husky fans should look at Bright in the same way that they did at Brendan Radley-Hiles during the 2021 season. A veteran leader who can be an instant impact starter and bring an attitude to the defense. After losing three starters to the NFL Draft, and two more to the transfer portal, the Husky defense is going to look very different in 2022, and Bright is going to be a huge part of the new look “Death Row.”