Tuli Letuligasenoa Holds the Key to Washington's Defensive Success

The sixth-year senior can unlock a lot for the Husky defense.

While it wasn't discussed in the same light as quarterback Michael Penix's return to Montlake, Washington's defensive line got a huge boost when defensive tackle Tuli Letuligasenoa opted to return for his sixth and final year.

There are questions surrounding the depth along the Husky defensive line, especially in the middle of it. While twins Armon and Jayvon Parker are promising players, and Faatui Tuitele, Jacob Bandes, and Ulumoo Ale have all also shown flashes of being contributors, the defense still needs more from its defensive tackles.

Excluding Voi Tunuufi, who could be exclusively moving to edge rusher, Washington's defensive tackles recorded just half a sack in 2022. No, stats aren't everything at the position and the group as a whole did a good job against the run, as well as collapsing the pocket at times.

But if this team wants to truly achieve its goals of making the College Football Playoff, it's going to need more of those stats as well. That starts with Letuligasenoa, the leader up front.

There's a lot to like about Letuligasenoa's game. He's always been a stout run defender and plays with a lot of power that causes chaos for opposing offensive lines at times. In 2023, the name of the game for him will be converting on more opportunities when he's able to beat his man.

Over five seasons, Letuligasenoa has recorded two sacks and 14 tackles for loss. If he can continue to stay healthy and anchor the defense against the run while occasionally getting after the passer, too, the Washington defensive line could be among the best in the Pac-12 once again. 

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