Skip to main content
Inside The Huskies

Which Defensive Newcomers Can Light Fireworks In 2023?

If Washington's defense explodes in 2023, these three players could light the fuse.
Roman Tomashoff|
Which Defensive Newcomers Can Light Fireworks In 2023?
Which Defensive Newcomers Can Light Fireworks In 2023?

In this story:

Washington Huskies

Offensively, few teams t can match the firepower that Washington is bringing to the field in 2023. However, on the defensive side  questions remain despite the Huskies finishing third in the conference in both yards per game and sacks.

The Husky coaching staff did a great job adding talent through both the transfer portal and its high school recruiting class and now the question is which of the newcomers will spark some big plays and turnovers?

Edge Zach Durfee

There's a lot to be excited about when it comes to the Sioux Falls transfer. Although he's new to the position, he showed at the NCAA Division II level that he can be an extremely productive pass rusher and could end up being a huge contributor along the defensive line that needs more depth on the edge.

LB Ralen Goforth

The USC transfer is no stranger to pyrotechnics, as he plays with his hair on fire and loves laying big hits on the opposition. After going viral during the Pac-12 Championship for knocking Utah quarterback Cam Rising's helmet off, he looks like a big part of Washington's plans for the 2023 season at linebacker.

DB Caleb Presley

While it shouldn't be expected that the four-star true freshman from Rainier Beach will burn his redshirt in 2023, Presley has a bright future ahead of him. He took a lot of reps as a punt returner during spring practice and is rumored to have made a huge jump in his progression during summer workouts.

He loves to get up in opposing receivers' faces and play press coverage and if he can play with consistent strength at the college level, he has all the makings of a future all-conference cornerback. 

Go to si.com/college/washington to read the latest Inside the Huskies stories — as soon as they’re published.

Not all stories are posted on the fan sites.

Find Inside the Huskies on Facebook by searching: Inside Huskies/FanNation at SI.com or https://www.facebook.com/dan.raley.12

Follow Roman Tomashoff of Inside the Huskies on Twitter: @rtomashoff34 or @UWFanNation

Have a question? Message me on Twitter!

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Published
Roman Tomashoff
ROMAN TOMASHOFF

I've followed the Huskies for my entire life, and to be in a position where I get to cover them full-time is nothing short of an honor. After graduating from Lasell University in 2019, I moved to Seattle to pursue my dream of working in sports media. While writing for the Husky Haul, I also covered local sports for the Everett Daily Herald before the COVID-19 pandemic. After being hired by Realdawg.com in February of 2021, I also transitioned into doing a lot of entertainment writing, as I work on a variety of magazines as a contributing writer for Centennial Media, and have also contributed to Emmy Magazine, as well as Walt Disney Television Studios. 

Share on XFollow RTomashoff34
Home/Football