Washington needs to add depth on the defensive line before the 2022 season gets underway, and they made a move to correct that by securing a commitment from junior college defensive lineman Sekai Asoau. The product of the College of San Mateo is originally from Tacoma, Washington, and attended Fife High School. Asoau chose Washington over USC, who offered him on Monday. When asked about his decision, Asoau told Realdawg.com that the offer changed things, “For a little while, I was deciding which was a better fit for me.”

But ultimately, the hometown Dawgs won out for the defensive lineman. Out of high school, Asoau committed to Central Washington University after being named the South Puget Sound League defensive MVP following his senior year. During his sophomore year at the College of San Mateo, he recorded 20 total tackles, including two for loss, along with one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. So what makes Asoau a great addition for Kalen DeBoer and his staff?

Two words, pure power. Asoau, who’s listed at 6’5, 265 pounds, lined up on the interior most of the time for the Bulldogs and has a knack for beating offensive linemen with a bull rush. Not only does he have a powerful bull rush, but his first step is as quick as they come, and the biggest question for the coaching staff, is will they use him as an edge or an interior player? The defensive line needs more help on the interior, but having a versatile piece like Asoau If he can keep his first step and carry somewhere from 280-290 pounds, he’ll be a weapon anywhere along the front four.

The next step in Asoau’s development will be working on secondary pass rush moves, which will rocket him up the depth chart. Listed as a sophomore during the 2021 season, he’ll have two years of eligibility remaining, and should see the field for the Huskies in 2022. This shouldn’t be the last addition for Washington through the transfer portal either, as there are still two open scholarships after defensive lineman Noa Ngalu entered the transfer portal.