With almost no restrictions and plenty of name, image and likeness incentives, college football’s transfer portal reopens on Monday for what should be two weeks of unprecedented player movement nationally.
The University of Washington likely is in the market for four to five offensive linemen, maybe a defensive lineman or two, probably another running back and another veteran tight end wouldn’t hurt either.
Before the bidding begins, let’s examine the Huskies’ O- line, which currently has 10 available freshmen, redshirt freshmen and sophomores rotating in and out, both scholarship and walk-on players, for spring practice that is ongoing until May 3.
Realistically, the Huskies probably have just certain starters up front in 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive tackle Drew Azzopardi, the San Diego State transfer, and the 6-foot-2, 310-pound Hatchett, still recovering from knee surgery and limited in having any contact. When they’re healthy, no one is going to beat out either one of those players.
That means the UW offensive line should be considered two-fifths complete for planning purposes, which will require Jedd Fisch’s staff likely to shop for at least a pair of guards and another tackle who are capable of starting right away.
No offense to any of the young guys in the mix right now, but the Huskies need veteran people up front who can muscle with the likes of Michigan, Penn State and Iowa, to name a few Big Ten bruisers scheduled this fall, as they enter that well-heeled conference.
Junior Gaard Memmelaar, who likewise is recovering from a knee injury, was in pads for the first time on Thursday but still is limited when it comes to contact. Recently revealed to be the strongest player on the Husky football team, the 6-foot-4, 299-pound Memmelaar could become a third guaranteed starter as an offensive guard when he’s given the all clear to resume. He’s entering his fifth season in the program.
Among the transfer possibilities for the Huskies, former SMU offensive tackle Marcus Bryant, a 6-foot-8, 318-pound senior, will tour Montlake this weekend.
Defensively, the UW often has Montana State transfer Sebastian Valdez and juniorJayvon Parker in the No. 1 down linemen positions, backed by sixth-year senior Jacob Bandes and redshirt freshman Elinneus Davis.
The Huskies are down some in manpower with redshirt freshmen Anthony James and Armon Parker dealing with various ailments and not fully involved in spring ball.
Former Indiana defensive tackle Philip Blidi, a 6-foot-3, 295-pound senior is a UW possibility. He was a recent visitor to campus and seemed to enjoy himself while posing for photos with a visiting Bill Belichick, the ex-NFL coach, and Danny Shelton, the former Husky All-American defensive tackle and NFL player.
Running back appears a little short-handed with the recent arrest and indefinite suspension for Tybo Rogers, who’s facing significant legal issues and not expected to return to the UW, and veteran backs Cam Davis and Sam Adams II are coming off injuries and not fully involved in spring ball.
The current Husky tailback rotation plays out in this order: Arizona transfer Jonah Coleman, followed by senior Daniyel Ngata and freshman Adam Mohammed.
At tight end, senior Quentin Moore should be the starter this fall and is currently backed by little-used sophomore Ryan Otton and newly enrolled freshman Decker DeGraaf, with another freshman in Charlie Crowell expected to arrive this summer. However, one more veteran player at this position, who has both receiving and blocking capabilities, seems like a must.
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