Morrell Gives High Marks to His Retooled Husky Defense

Chuck Morrell, the University of Washington's co-defensive coordinator, looked a little less fearsome on Wednesday after shaving off his thick salt and pepper beard, which seems to be a tradition for him when entering a new football season.

However, his Husky defense, 10 days before the home opener against Boise State, appears much more menacing than it was in 2022, at least on paper going in.

"I don't get hung up on last year," Morrell said following practice. "I just know we're more consistent and we've got more of a veteran presence."

The defensive leader than went on to break down the different elements of his UW stop unit, beginning with sixth-year senior linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio, who is ready to return as a starter for the first time in 18 months following a pair of injuries.

"Eddie brings a great sense of stability to us," Morrell said. "He acts like a pro every single day."

As for his defensive line, the coordinator seemed to indicate that Ulumoo "M.J." Ale has won the starting position opposite Tuli Letuligasenoa, both sixth-year seniors.

"It's starts with M.J. and Tuli," Morrell said. "I think those guys are going to be as solid as any two defensive tackles in the league. I'm really proud of M.J.'s growth — he's really become a problem."

Of course, he meant that in a good way, with the 6-foot-6, 318-pound Ale expected to stuff the middle on a regular basis with his great size and power, something the Huskies haven't necessarily had in recent seasons.

While the secondary is a mix of veterans and newcomers and is much more organized, the strength of the UW defense is fully expected to be the edge rushers. Morrell verified that Zion Tupuola-Fetui will start opposite All-America candidate Bralen Trice, yet he also was quick to discuss the progress of Sekai Asoau-Afoa.

Admittedly, the one-time California junior-college transfer appeared a little lost last season, in terms of technique and simply adjusting to a higher level of football in Montlake. The 6-foot-4, 263-pound senior has become lighter and faster, and he seems to be much more of a complete player now.

"He's real physical at the point of attack," Morrell said of Asoau-Afoa. "The biggest difference for him now is his ability to pass rush. He's had a lot of impact plays in fall camp."

Finally, Morrell turned to the individual pillar of his defense — Trice, who was named a preseason AP All-America selection on Monday.

"I think Bralen Trice is playing at just an unbelievable level right now," the coach said. "He was good last year, but I think he's a completely different player for us. Then you have a healthy secondary and that's certainly going to put us in a better position."

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 Dan Raley of Inside the Huskies on Twitter: @DanRaley1 or @UWFanNation or @DanRaley3

Have a question, direct message me on Facebook or Twitter.