Washington Huskies Training Camp Battles to Watch
Herb Nightengale
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Defensive Backs
Washington’s defensive backs were downright stingy last season, only giving up 77 yards per game. Even after losing another two players to the NFL Draft, the Washington Huskies once again return a great group of athletes to their defensive backfield. The safeties all have started at one point or another during their Huskies’ career, so who starts doesn’t really matter because they will all see significant action.
The main battle will be at the “Husky” or rover position, formerly known as the nickel back. Dominique Hampton, who played safety last year, has moved over to compete with last season’s backup Kamren Fabiculanan. This one could be interesting.
Inside Linebacker
Last year, the Huskies’ defense yielded an average of 122 yards per game on the ground. That has to improve for Washington to have success in 2022. That’s why the hottest camp battle on defense is at inside linebacker.
According to ourlads.com, the two grad transfers, Kristopher Moll (Alabama-Birmingham) and Cam Bright (Pittsburgh) top the depth cart. Washington also has last season’s breakout freshman Carson Bruener listed as Moll’s backup.
It’s hard to believe Bruener won’t start. He showed he was a difference maker last season, finishing second on the Huskies in tackles. Bruener was voted as the team’s most outstanding freshman. The media selected him as a preseason All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention.
Even if Bruener doesn’t start every game, he will see plenty of playing time. It may come down to which linebacker(s) matches up best against each week’s opponent.
Washington Huskies fans, which training camp battles are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments section below.