Washington got a commitment from junior college defensive lineman Sekai Afoa-Asoau. The 6-foot-5, 265 pounder attended the College of San Mateo this past season.

“Although undersized, Afoa-Asoau can play both interior and on the edge, where he plays for the Huskies is still to be determined.  The Tacoma-native saw the bulk of his time for the Bulldogs and has a knack for beating offensive linemen with a bull rush,” RealDawg.com’s Roman Tamashoff said in his recent article on Afoa-Asoau.  “Not only does he have a powerful bull rush, but his first step is as quick as they come, and the biggest question for the coaching staff, is will they use him as an edge or an interior player? The defensive line needs more help on the interior, but having a versatile piece like Afoa-Asoau If he can keep his first step and carry somewhere from 280-290 pounds, he’ll be a weapon anywhere along the front four.”

Afoa-Asoau’s pledge isn’t going to change any recruiting allocations for the 2023 recruiting cycle.  In fact, he has two years of eligibility remaining.  What he does bring is an answer to depth issues.

Last season, the Huskies were one of the worst teams in the country at stopping the run. Adding Afoa-Asoau’s versatility gives the Huskies more options. If they are playing a more pass happy team, they could go a little smaller and add a third pass rusher in Afoa-Asoau in the middle. If Afoa-Asoau can add some more weight he could be a consistent player in the middle.

Right now, the Huskies have more depth on the edge with Sav’ell Smalls, Bralen Trice   and behind Zion Tupuola-Fetui and Jeremiah Martin. It’s mostly likely that  Afoa-Asoau will see the field more if he bulks up a bit.

While finding difference-makers this late in the process, Afoa-Asoau will have every opportunity to prove earth playing time. The defensive line is far from set so it will be interesting to see where he fits in come fall camp.