Washington's Offense Has a New (Center)piece to Rely On

Obviously, many factors contributed to Washington's offensive turnaround in 2022, but the biggest arguably was the difference in offensive-line play. The Huskies went from a team that allowed 23 sacks in 2021 to a team that allowed just seven, the second-best number in college football in 2022.

While they're returning two supremely talented tackles in Troy Fautanu and Roger Rosengarten, some big questions still need to be answered on the interior of the line. Offensive-line coach Scott Huff has to replace the three interior positions held last year by guards Jaxson Kirkland and Henry Bainivalu along with center Corey Luciano.

From Coleman Shelton to Nick Harris, the Huskies have had high-caliber centers calling the shots in the middle of the offensive line over the past several years. Now, it's sixth-year senior Matteo Mele's turn to step into that role.

During spring practice, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said that while Mele has "as big of a tool set" as anybody on the Husky offense, there's still some work to do. He said that the next step for Mele is becoming a "more mature leader."

If Mele can live up to the challenge from the always earnest Grubb, he could end up being a very reliable center for the Huskies this fall. Pressure from the interior can wreck an offense very quickly, and throw off what some experts say could be the best passing attack in the country.

A strong season from Mele will also go a long way toward helping out Nate Kalepo and Julius Buelow, who seem to be penciled in as the starting guards coming out of spring.

There might be a learning curve early on in the season, because he's started only one game in his career, but he should be expected to pick up where Luciano left off. Grubb seems to be happy with what he's seen from Mele and he could end up being the centerpiece center in what the team expects to be a College Football Playoff push.

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