Jabbar Mohamad, #1 CB — He might be giving up a few inches to guys like 6-3, Rome Odunze and 6-4 Denzel Boston but he’s not getting pushed around.  He’s always in the face of the receivers.  His aggressive play reminds . Also, given the Huskies’ injuries on the backend of the defense last season it’s important to note that he doesn’t have a history of injuries.

Muhammad took his share of reps with the first team guys. Followed around top dogs in Odunze and McMillan all day. Despite that fact didn’t seem to get beat at all. Held his own and put up a great showing for the start of spring ball.

 

Germie Bernard, #4 WR — The one-time Husky, one-time Michigan State Spartan won’t be a part of the next wave of receivers–his time is now.  He ran with the ones and twos at different times throughout practice and will be a major contributor this season.

Bernard seemed to be taking reps with the first team this morning. And seemed very comfortable. His soft hands and strong feet stood out as he was able to turn what looked like a dead screen ply into a 15 yard pick up. He was one of many recievers making big blocks throughout practice and seemed to be gelling in perfectly to an already dangerous group of wide outs.

 

Thaddeus Dixon,  CB #9 — He is always looking for contact.  At 190 he certainly looks the part of a corner but he seems to have the mentality of a strong safety.  He could play multiple positions this coming season.

Dixon seemed up to the challenge on everything that was thrown at him. His blanketing coverage got him very few targets through practice, and that’s a great thing. Even when the ball wasn’t being thrown to he was hawking to it and making big tackles in space in big situations.

 

Ralen Goforth, LB #10 — A USC transfer who knocked Utah QB Cam Rising’s helmet five feet into the air in the Pac-12 Conference Championship Game is impressive at 6-2, 236–two pounds lighter than Alphozo Tuputala.  The two will share duties with Edefuan Ulofoshio.  What was once not a strength last season may be a strength this coming season.

The USC transfer is looking to have a big role in this years Husky defense. And his practice performance has poised him too. The ex-Trojan has a sample of the Seattle experience and is ready to be on the home side of that. Goforth seemed to be improving on every rep as becomes acclimated to Husky football. His ability to shed blocks, get downhill, and stop the runner dead is going to make Goforth a name to watch this spring

 

Zach Durfee, Edge #15 — When one sees Durfee in person the question bears: “How did he wind up at the University of Sioux Falls?”  He’s 6-5 and 252 pounds and isn’t afraid of contact.  He needs some polish on a few moves but with his burst he can get around tackles but his motor will wear down tackles once he’s a starter and he’s on the field late.

The transition from D2 Sioux Falls to FBS Washington is a tough transition for anyone to make. Durfee seemed up to the challenge everytime he stepped on the field. He forced pressures against a strong offensive line

 

Daniyel Ngata, RB #21 — There’s a lot to like about the former 4-star RB.  He matches great vision with a great burst.  He can line up in multiple positions forcing mismatches.

At 5’9” 187 Ngata is a ball of muscle on the football field. Like Goforth he’s moving up north, from PAC-12 foe Arizona State. Ngata is going to be a part of a backfield that has about as many viable options as you and I have fingers. But don’t be surprised if he emerges as one of the top dawgs. A hard runner who hits his gaps well could have a big role in an offense looking to improve on last season.

 

Josh Cuevas, TE #85 — The Cal Poly transfer is listed at 6-3 and 236 pounds, but in reality looks a bit taller.  He’s Jack Westover’s size and getting him into the senior Westover’s role is what the common thinking is, but he looks like he can catch balls on short yardage.  He looks to have very soft hands.

While we didn’t see much from Cuevas in terms of pass catcher, his blocking was impressive. He was using his size well and sealing defenders away from the play when he got the opportunity.