The home stretch of Spring Football 2023 is upon us. For practice number 12, there are fewer and fewer open positions, particularly on the offensive side of things.
Last week, we noted that sophomore transfer wideout Germie Bernard has ascended the depth chart and may be sitting as the number 4 receiver behind Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, and Ja’Lynn Polk. But the distance between receiver 4 and 7 is minimal.
Along the offensive line, things are settling in as the Huskies are replacing the interior 3 linemen – which include offensive guards Jaxson Kirkland and Henry Bainivalu, along with center Corey Luciano. These guys are already being thrown a challenge going against the likes of Odunze, McMillan and Polk, along with other Washington receivers who look to be making progress. However, because of that, they seem to be developing at a decent pace.
Offensive Line Notes: Players to look out for on the offensive line are for the most part some familiar faces, sophomore Roger Rosengarten, who had a breakthrough last season as a freshman, will most likely be returning as the starting right tackle; Junior Troy Fautanu returns at left tackle. These two guys have been and will be crucial in acting as the first line of defense for Penix.
In terms of possible replacements for the interior three spots, junior Julius Buelow looks to be the leader to take over at left guard, with sophomore Gaard Memmelaar in close contention with him. Senior Matteo Mele is favored at center, while right guard is somewhat up in the air with junior Nate Kalepo emerging in front, along with sophomore Geirean Hatchett. Lastly, senior Devin Culp is seeing a lot of time at tight end.
Injuries have held out a few running backs at various times this spring, notably Mississippi State transfer Dillon Johnson, Arizona State transfer Daniyel Ngata and senior Richard Newton.
However, Cam Davis has planted his flag on the number 1 back position, taking advantage of the players’ missing time.
Sam Adams has had quite the spring, taking two steps forward in the new offense. He snapped off a 70-yard score in practice, and that run drew the ire of the defensive coaches, who could be heard yelling to “quit making excuses” and “get better.”
On Wednesday, Spring Practice will continue.
