Top Returning Huskies: At No. 7, Ulofoshio Reclaims Role as Leader

Entering his sixth football season at Washington, linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio has shown that he's capable of doing just about anything. Walking on and earning playing time. Becoming a starter. Earning multiple accolades.

Now after missing the first eight games in 2022 after multiple injuries and surgeries, Ulofoshio is back in his natural role as the leader of he Huskies' defense.

"It's definitely night and day," he said of where his knowledge of the Husky defensive scheme is at compared to a year ago. "Just understanding the tendencies of our coaches makes us able to adjust to their adjustments. You stop asking questions of why."

Budding reporter Edefuan Ulofoshio got a question to Rome Odunze after practice Saturday pic.twitter.com/pkvnXgDQix
— Lars Hanson (@LarsHanson) August 5, 2023

Ulofoshio and junior Alphonzo Tuputala have been the starters at linebacker throughout the first two weeks of fall camp after teaming up in spring ball.

In the final five games last season, Ulofoshio played just 84 total snaps and wasn't at the level of production that made him one of the top five highest graded linebackers in the Pac-12 in 2020-21, according to Pro Football Focus.

William Inge, UW co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, noted two qualities he seeks from his players: leadership and production.

On Friday night, prior to the Huskies' second scrimmage of fall camp the next day, Ulofoshio spent an additional 90-plus minutes going over film with UW head coach Kalen DeBoer in his office.

"He's just all in," DeBoer said. "He wants to be the best he can be and he takes that very seriously being a leader on our team. He lives right. He leads right. He's just a class act all the way around. We're very fortunate to have him as a leader on our football team."

Ulofoshio unquestionably possesses the former trait and has produced throughout his career when healthy.

At his peak between his sophomore and junior seasons, Ulofoshio separated himself from other linebackers with his ability to rush the passer effectively at times without losing his prowess as a sure tackler. The combination of the two this fall could be what makes Washington a Pac-12 Championship contender.

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