Husky Linebacking Corps Suddenly Got a Lot Better
In this story:
Edefuan Ulofoshio showed up healthy, with a physique that was noticeably ripped, ready to reclaim a high-profile role.
People learned rather quickly not to mess with Ralen Goforth after the USC transfer tangled in a violent manner with offensive guard Gaard Memmelaar.
Carson Bruener remained the same nonstop-hustle, hard-hitting player, a loyal soldier prepared to do whatever asked.
Add to that freshman Deven Bryant, who teamed with Ulofoshio in drills and was seen chatting up the sixth-year senior at length for insights; an energetic Demario King, back from an injury that cost him all of last season; dependable Drew Fowler, who took his regular scrimmage turns; and, last but not least, Alphonzo Tuputala, who's gone from an unknown as a starter to an ever so reliable first-teamer.
Suddenly teeming with capable players, this is the University of Washington linebacking corps.
Ralen Goforth, the USC transfer, and a healthy Edefuan Ulofoshio have greatly upgraded the linebacker corps.
Skylar Lin Visuals
While the remaking of the secondary and the offensive line are high priorities and extended works in progress, a replenished Husky second row on defense could go a long way to making this stop unit as reliable and effective as Kalen DeBoer's offense.
"What you see out of that linebacking corps is really promising," DeBoer said.
The return of the 6-foot-1, 234-pound Ulofoshio — a 2020 second-team All-Pac-12 selection and touted as the nation's top returning linebacker for 2021 — is huge for this team. He's the proven playmaker that was lacking at times last season. His desire to make things happen is unmatched. His approach is contagious for everyone else.
"I can't say there's a player on our squad right now who wants it more than Eddie," co-defensive coordinator Chuck Morrell said.
Alphonzo Tuputala is back to reclaim his UW starting linebacker job.
Skylar Lin Visuals
The 6-foot-2, 236-pound Goforth, similar to Pittsburgh transfer Cam Bright the year before for the Huskies, has come in acting like he should be a starter, something he did 17 times at USC. Goforth could be more of an impactful player than Bright. Still, he might not start.
The biggest difference in this group is Ulofoshio has reclaimed the domain that was once his and won't be giving it back, and he could be paired alongside the 6-foot-2, 238-pound Tuputala, who is a steadying force after starting all 13 games last season without much fanfare, but now he's receiving it.
"Now we know what we've got with 'Zo,' " DeBoer said. "A year ago, I don't think we really knew that."
A veteran, turnover-causing linebacker contingent for the Huskies will go a long way to rewarding their defensive teammates up front and taking the pressure off the defensive backs behind them.
Add to them an intriguing newcomer in Bryant. At 5-foot-11 and 216 pounds, the freshman hails from Southern Calfornia's St. John Bosco football powerhouse in Southern California, the same high school that produced Goforth. Bryant is a little on the short side but he's powerfully built. He turned up in the Husky backfield a couple of times during his first week of college football, and he might make it hard for the coaches to redshirt him.
The hard part for the UW coaches will be determining which guys are the most deserving as starting linebackers and settling on a rotation that suits everyone.
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