Wow! The Twitter reception to my original post was incredible. Thank you so much to everyone who submitted questions. Obviously, there were some duplicates, so I apologize for not getting to everyone’s question. Multiple people also asked about impending transfers in the wide receivers room that were hinted at in a previous article, but I can’t comment on that situation at this time.
With that being said, I’ve split this into three parts, 2021, recruiting, and the NFL Draft. I’m hoping to make this a monthly piece, so feel free to tweet any questions you might have at me at any time!
The 2021 season
Q: With the Huskies expected to retain most of their team from last year, what are your honest expectations for the 2021-22 season? -@CCSDanBarnes
A: I believe that repeating as Pac-12 North champions are realistic expectations as the floor for what this team can do. It’s tough losing senior cornerbacks Elijah Molden and Keith Taylor to the NFL Draft, but this is an exciting team. Behind a veteran offensive line, we should see a different look offense this season, that will most likely be a little more balanced (more on that later) along with a defense that has been elite year in and year out. They’ll face some stiff competition in the division, but as all the talent from the 2019 and 2020 recruiting classes continues to develop, this team has potential to be considered for the College Football Playoff if they hit their ceiling.
Q: Do you think the team opens up the offense more in 2021? -@JoeHusky3
A: 100% yes. Dylan Morris will most likely be the starter to open the season, unless Sam Huard blows the coaches away to the point where they don’t have a choice but to start him in the spring and summer. While possible, the most likely outcome is that Sam redshirts and sees time at the end of a few blowouts while learning the offense. Either way, there’s no doubt in my mind the offense gets opened up this season. Morris will have a full, real offseason to gel with his receivers, and since he’ll be taking all the reps as the starter, there should be more chemistry between him and offensive coordinator John Donovan.
Q: Who’s RB1 next year? -@UWFMAC
A: I don’t know if it’s that simple. If we’re going off ceiling, in my mind it’s Cam Davis. His wiggle, explosiveness, and three-down ability is incredibly impressive. My best bet is we’ll see the same kind of rotation as in 2020. A lot of Sean McGrew, with some Richard Newton, Davis, and Kamari Pleasant mixed in. As the season goes on, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Sam Adams II and Jay’veon Sunday also get some run. Adams and Davis have the two highest ceilings in the room in my opinion, and if Adams proves he can play at 225-230 pounds while providing the explosiveness he did in high school, he might just take the job.
2021 NFL Draft
Q: Rank these Husky defenders and their likelihood of sneaking into the first round on draft night: Elijah Molden, Levi Onwuzurike, Joe Tryon -@AndrewLMagnuson
A: Onwuzurike, Tryon, then Molden. To expand, Onwuzurike is probably going to be the top defensive tackle on the board for some teams amid what’s a pretty weak defensive line class. He’s an instant impact kind of player, and can play on all three downs. The same could be said about Tryon with the edge class, but Miami’s Jaelan Phillips might have overtaken him due to his stellar 2020 campaign. Molden, while he’s an incredibly versatile defender, is being valued by some as strictly a safety, and most teams won’t want to spend that kind of capital on a safety.
Q: Of the four Dawgs in the Draft, who will have the best career, who’s the readiest to contribute, who has the highest ceiling, and who’s the biggest sleeper? -@lake_burner
A: Best career: Molden
Most ready: Molden/Onwuzurike
Highest potential: Tryon
Sleeper: Taylor
Q: Who else is participating in the Pro Day? -@HoodHusky
A: The only other name from what I know at this moment will be Josiah Bronson. I believe Jacob Kizer might be there as well, but I can’t confirm any of that at this time.
Q: Who is top “Dawg” among the four Huskies in the draft? -@TheReal_Mitch1
A: In my opinion, it’s Elijah Molden. He’s a true student of the game, can fit in any defense, and is a super athlete. He plays with perfect technique, is excellent with his run fits, and is a sure tackler. What stands out most is his versatility. While I believe at the next level he fits best as a cornerback, similar to Jaire Alexander, he told me that teams are scouting him to play a role similar to Tyrann Mathieu, so he can do a little bit of everything.
Recruiting
Q: What’s the likelihood Washington lands J.T. Tuimoloau? @dewey_tweets
A: I’m not going to put a percent chance on there because I truly don’t believe anyone outside of him and his family have a proper gauge on the situation. From what I’ve been able to gather from some sources, being close to home is a factor for him, so I don’t believe Washington is out of the race by any measure. While he wants to play as a true defensive end, and the current scheme doesn’t necessarily operate with them, the development of Zion Tupuola-Fetui could be a major selling point for him.
Q: Are Lake and co. (outside of JTT) done with the ’21 class? Or are they going to continue to pursue guys in the transfer portal? @DeathrowDerham
A: Rumors have been flying around about one more transfer, and I believe we should have that question answered over the next week or two, as I’m unable to comment on specific names at this time.
Q: With the QB position on lock for the next 3 years how do you think UW recruits the position the next 2-3 cycles? -@HoodHusky
A: This is a great question. With a lot of modern quarterback recruits fantasizing about playing as a true freshman, it might be tough to pull some of the bigger-name guys because they know they’ll have to sit for a year or two. And with the transfer portal being as popular as it is with the quarterback position, it would be even harder to hold on to a bigger name player if they were to enroll. I would expect them to recruit local talent (ex. Gabbari Johnson), but also go after some diamond in the rough types of players, who have five-star potential, but still have some things to work on. That way, they can sit behind Huard and Morris, learn the system, and develop their skills at the college level before taking a snap.
