Predicting Washington's Breakout Stars for 2023

Last year, Washington football fans got to enjoy the breakouts of most of the Husky roster. Bralen Trice, Rome Odunze and Michael Penix were received some sort of All-America attention, while others earned their first All-Pac-12 accolades.

While in all likelihood there's nobody on the roster that can ascend to an All-America level in his first year, the Washington coaching staff has a lot of talent waiting in the wings on the roster. In what could be an exciting year for the Huskies, who might make a name for themselves in 2023?

Redshirt Freshman Highlights
- NSIC First Team All-Conference
- First time playing Defensive Line
- https://t.co/7hVAeMqtRm pic.twitter.com/N3hvWlYw5n
— Zach Durfee (@zach_durfee) November 24, 2022

Josh Cuevas, TE

When he decided to enter the transfer portal after two years at Cal Poly, Cuevas was ranked as a four-star prospect. He recorded 57 catches for 622 yards and six touchdowns during his redshirt freshman season and has a chance to make an impact for the Huskies in the right situation, especially in the red zone.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said in the spring that he was impressed by Cuevas' prowess as a blocker, which could lead to the 6-foot-3, 239-pound tight end being utilized in short areas of the field.

Germie Bernard, WR

While it's still unclear how big the Michigan State transfer's role is going to be, he's will have a significant one. Bernard impressed day in and day out over the course of spring practice and Washington loves to use a deep rotation of receivers, so he'll certainly be in the mix in some capacity.

He has all the makings of a future top-flight receiver and Grubb probably has some good ideas on how to get the ball into his hands.

Gaard Memmelaar, OL

Memmelaar is a great fit for the interior of Washington's offensive line. The hard-nosed, aptly-named lineman is in the mix to start at right guard for the Huskies and has all of the tools needed to fill the shoes of the graduated Henry Bainivalu.

Thaddeus Dixon, CB

According to Kalen DeBoer, the long, athletic defensive back from Long Beach City College earned the respect of his teammates rather quickly. He also has a nose for the football and if he can earn a starting spot on the outside, he could become a fan favorite just as fast as he endeared himself to his teammates.

Zach Durfee, Edge

Washington's coaching staff needs to know who's going to step up on the edge behind Bralen Trice and Zion Tupuola-Fetui. In a slew of talented but unproven players, Zach Durfee could be the first man off the bench (and the edge) for the Huskies.

Edge rushers coach Eric Schmidt gushed about Durfee's athleticism in the spring and said that he already has an advanced knowledge of the position even though he got to the University of Sioux Falls as a quarterback.

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