2020 Washington Huskies Football Preview – Offense
Washington Offensive line.
Offensive Line
The Washington Huskies have to replace three players on the offensive line this season. Center Nick Harris, a second-team All-American by Sports Illustrated, went to the Cleveland Browns in round five. Left tackle Trey Adams expected early on his Husky career to be a high draft pick, signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Buffalo Bills, and is on their practice squad. Right tackle Jared Hilbers is gone as well.
Matteo Mele is expected to be the center this season. He is a redshirt sophomore who played center in parts of five games last season. Myles Murao, a true freshman out of Torrance, California, should back him up. Besides center, Murao played guard, so he may see some time there as well.
Junior Jaxon Kirkland, who started the last two seasons at right guard, shifts over to the all-important left tackle spot. Nate Kalepo, a redshirt freshman, is the number two behind Kirkland.
Senior Luke Wattenberg starts at left guard for the third straight year. He and Kirkland are the most experienced linemen on the Huskies at two of the most important positions. If necessary, Wattenberg could shift over to LT; he played five games there as a redshirt freshman. Sophomore Ulumoo Ale is Wattenberg’s backup. The Tacoma native is a big guy at 6-6, 352 pounds. Expect him to get lots of playing time.
On the right side, junior Henry Bainivalu is the expected starter at right guard. He is also 6-6 and over 320 pounds. Last year Bainivalu missed the first three games; however, he saw in action in every game thereafter. The year before, Bainivalu played in every game as a redshirt freshman. Gaard Memmelaar, a freshman out of Caldwell, Idaho, will be Bainivalu’s backup.
Redshirt sophomore Victor Carne played seven games in 2019 and should start at right tackle this season. The Huskies recruited Carne all the way from Houston, Texas, where he was an all-state guard. The Huskies believe tackle is a better fit for his skill set. His backup is Julius Buelow, a redshirt freshman from Kapolei, Hawaii.
There is plenty of flexibility on Washington’s offensive line. Several players can play any of the spots, depending on injuries. The coaching staff could move the big guys around, depending on need and ability. There could be several different O-Line variations in 2020.
Before the season kicks off, we will look at the defense as well. There won’t be as many changes, but a few important players will be absent. Go Dawgs!