Jimmy Lake was on KJR with Dave Mahler today, and we listened in to get some of the highlights of the conversation that transpired.

Lake said that everything is now “moved up” due to the early signing period, and then by January and February they’re already starting in on the next class recruting-wise.

He addressed the yearly rumors about him being linked to some job elsewhere, “We have an unbelievable staff and a lot of guys get job offers all the time”, he said, adding that it’s just par for the course because Chris Petersen has built a great staff,

On his own career at Washington, Lake said he loves Seattle, “I love UW…I love working for Chris Petersen…he’s the best in the business.”

Lake said they’re building “something special” and sending guys to the NFL, and playing better in all phases as a team.

“I want to be a part of this when it gets really special”, he said.

When pressed about what he meant by “really” special, Lake said it’s about winning a national title. He said it’s going to take a “ton of hard work”, and added “We have all the tools right here where we can do that…a few more things here and there and a few more details…we’re right there.”

Lake reiterated that he loves being at Washington, and he loves being the defensive coordinator and calling the plays, “That’s what I’ve always been passionate about”, he said, “I’m not looking anywhere else — I’m very fortunate and right now I’m happy and content being at the University of Washington”.

The conversation then turned to the line up for next season; Lake said “for sure” we’ll keep seeing Myles Bryant at nickel, and he also talked about guys like Brandon McKinney and Keith Taylor continuing to play a big role, and then he brought up Elijah Molden. He also mentioned Isaiah Gilchrist.

He also said that “at least half, if not more” of the freshman class will be playing next year, “We’ll need the depth”, he said, “Cam Williams is already here and Kam Fab enrolls next quarter.”

“Across the board — we lost some players — but we will utilize the redshirt rule even more across all positions (except QB)”, he said.

Lake was asked about the linebackers coming back, and mentioned guys like MJ Tafisi, DJ Beavers, Brandon Wellington, and Kyler Manu, “You can feel the hunger and competitiveness across all the rooms”, he said.

He attributed some of the defensive efforts the past few years to the “environment, the weather..you have to be tough and resilient”, he said. Lake talked about returning to that “tough, hard-nosed” defense of the early 90’s, and said they spend a ton of time in drills concentrating on tackling, angles, fundementals, and getting off blocks.

On the combines, he gave kudos to Byron Murphy, “He had the best position drills of everybody”, he said, “The best ball skills…a team would be crazy not to take that guy”.

Lake said Taylor Rapp was the smartest guy he’s ever coached, and even gave props to Ben Burr-Kirven for how good he looked in drills considering he came in at 230.

He then talked at length about Greg Gaines, saying “You can’t move him…he’s going to eat up two blocks and will in those critical first and second downs.”

Lake also talked about how much Jordan Miller has done in his comeback after being injured back in the ASU game last season, “He’s on the up and up”, he said, “When he comes to pro day here he will run again and the scouts need to take a chance on him.”

Miller ran a 4.47 at the combine, and had posted a 4.37 while at Washington.

Lastly, Lake talked briefly about Jacob Eason and what he will bring to the passing game in the future, commenting on his high talent level, but said, “We have a talented quarterback room that is going to be a very competitive room.”

For the entire broadcast, go to KJR AM