Former San Diego State OL Commits To Washington
Washington's offensive line has allowed just 20 sacks over the past two seasons but will have some major retooling to do in 2024 and it appears former San Diego State tackle Drew Azzopardi is part of the plans to rebuild the front.
On Monday, Azzopardi announced his commitment to Washington and could start immediately in 2024 after junior Troy Fautanu announcs his intentions to enter his name in the NFL draft. There's a strong possibility that sophomore Roger Rosengarten will follow suit, leaving the Huskies with two new starting tackles next season.
Azzopardi, a 6-foot-7, 315-pound product of Junipero Serra High School in Pacifica, California, has three years of eligibility remaining after redshirting in 2022 and has a skill set that could help him win a starting spot.
"I picked Washington for a bunch of reasons," Azzopardi told 247 Sports' Brandon Huffman. "I have heard nothing but great things about the coaching staff from my former San Diego State offensive line coach and coach (Patrick) Walsh and coach (Darius) Bell from Serra. I was able to spend time with the entire staff and they were great.
"I loved the facilities, stadium, culture and commitment to NIL and the area. It’s also a plus that they send a bunch of players to the NFL, win every year, and sell out their home games."
After being lightly recruited in high school, Azzopardi picked Washington over offers from TCU, Kentucky, Arizona, UCLA and others who were impressed by his first full year of college football.
Azzopardi is a very good athlete and will be a seamless fit in offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb's scheme. The 315-pound tackle displays impressive mobility on film and will be asked to pull a lot on stretch running plays.
As a pass protector, Azzopardi should be an anchor on either side of the line but could stay at right tackle after the success he saw on that side this season.
The offensive lineman becomes the fourth prospect in the transfer portal to commit to Washington in as many days and looks like he could provide a boost to the Husky offense right away.
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 Roman Tomashoff of Inside the Huskies on Twitter: @rtomashoff34 or @UWFanNation
Subscribe to the Locked On Huskies Podcast on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
Have a question? Message me on Twitter!