Earlier in the Spring, named “Junk Yard Dawg” for special teams play, Washington sophomore receiver, Rome Odunze turned in another “Special” performance at the UW’s 2022 Spring Preview. Odunze caught a 40-yard touchdown, avoiding multiple defenders as he danced down the south sideline into the endzone for the game-winner.
Once thought to be headed to the Transfer Portal, Odunze and other Transfer Portal players made significant contributions to the scrimmage.
Odunze drop-stepped on freshman defensive back Devon Banks, then spun 360 degrees into the clearing. With his burst he outran sophomore linebacker Jordan Lolohea, ultimately beating Makell Esteem to the pylon giving the White team the 34-29 victory.
The Nevada-native’s dance down the sideline may not have even been the best play on the final drive.
Junior Alexander made a spectacular one-handed grab from Sam Huard. The grab from the Arizona State transfer still had the crowd abuzz shortly after hobbled off the field with an apparent ankle injury.
The scrimmage started off with both defenses shutting down running lanes on early downs and pressure on the QBs in passing situations. Former Texas A&M Aggie Jeremiah Martin rounded out a fine spring with multiple QB pressures or sacks.
Several other transfers made significant contributions. One transfer who was kept under wraps was Michigan transfer receiver Giles Jackson. Throughout the spring Jackson made significant strides in becoming the versatile player many thought he would become. New Mexico running back transfer Aaron Dumas scored a 1-yard touchdown after the defense had built a significant early lead.
However, the biggest new comer, albeit not from the Transfer Portal, may have been Ulumoo Ale. The 6-6, 344-pounder moved from the offensive line to the middle of the defense.
“Ale may be the biggest piece to the defensive puzzle,” said RealDawg.com’s Kyle Waltos. “And they found him right inside their own locker room. He’s virtually unmovable. Once the defense becomes second nature to him he will be a tremendous force.”
Cam Bright made significant contributions during the Spring Preview.
Once thought to be headed to the Transfer Portal, Odunze has found solid footing under the DeBoer staff.
“The off-seasons moves of hanging onto Odunze, getting Alexander and Michael Penix appear to be paying off immediately,” Waltos said. “The new staff appears to have made all of the right moves to quickly turn the ship around from the 4-8 season.”
