With the majority of of Washington’s positions unofficially set, what remains to be sorted out is the Huskies’ defensive lineup. The press was only allowed to view the first two drives early on. In that portion, however, the defense definitely showed some bite.
On the first play, QB Michael Penix was under heavy pressure, never quite able to set his feet as the pass rush was all over him. He had to spike the ball in front of a receiver on the right sideline who ended up blanketed. It looked to be McMillan.
The defense sniffed out the next play on the other sideline as Penix was forced to throw the ball away–somewhat near receiver Giles Jackson but away from a DB. Neither had a shot.
All eyes turned to the Husky DBs, who were holding their own against Washington’s vaunted receiving corps. UW’s cornerbacks, especially the newcomers Jabbar Mohammad and Thaddeus Dixon, were more physical than in previous practices.
The DBs are going up against the best receiving rooms in the country, so being able to pick up some steam and even make a couple of decent plays against the likes of Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan is promising to see, to say the least.
On what looked to be a great pass breakup against Rome Odunze by Jabbar Mohammad, the former was forced to the ground, tipping the ball back to himself multiple times. He fell to his knees, still tipping the ball, going down to his elbows, until he finally cradled the ball for a 35+yard completion.
Play of the year!
Rome Odunze for 55 yards falls to the ground tipping the ball he is on his knees and elbows and tips the ball back to himself in nearly a prone position.
— Mike Martin (@HowlinHusky) April 12, 2023
Before that pass completion, the DBs were holding their own. The next pass was completed to the short right sideline in an effort to soften up the defensive backs.
On the very first play of practice, Penix had to dump the ball of twice off the bat, with receiver Taj Davis almost being picked off by sophomore cornerback Elijah Jackson.
Freshman Caleb Presley, who flipped after previously committing to Oregon, looked like he was settling in smoothly during drills. After swimming for a good part of Spring, his improvement is noticeable.
More Spring Football Practice Number 10 notes will be added.
