The second year of the Jedd Fisch era is officially in full swing as the Washington Huskies return to the field today for their 10th spring football practice. After a short break, the team is back on Montlake, continuing preparations for the 2025 season with key position battles and fresh talent making waves.
Quarterback & Skill Positions
Sophomore quarterback Demond Williams takes the reins as the projected starter after spending most of last season in a backup role. With a full offseason under his belt and an array of weapons at his disposal, expectations are high for his development.
While wide receiver Denzel Boston will miss spring practice due to injury, he’s expected to be a major contributor this fall. The Huskies are also excited about Omari Evans, a transfer from Penn State, whose elite speed is already turning heads. Rashid Williams, praised for his offseason progress, is eager to make a case for a starting role after limited action over the past two years.
Washington’s receiving corps also features a promising group of early-enrolled freshmen who will look to make their mark in the coming weeks.
At tight end, Quinten Moore returns from a freak injury that limited him to just 12 snaps in 2024. He’ll be joined by sophomore Decker DeGraaf and USC transfer Kade Eldridge in what should be a dynamic trio at the position.
In the backfield, returning 1,000-yard rusher Jonah Coleman anchors the run game. His early commitment to return gave the team an offseason boost. He’ll be supported by sophomore Ahmed Mohammed and redshirt freshman Jordan Washington—both of whom have impressed coaches with their winter strength and conditioning gains.
Offensive Line a Major Focus
Despite a talented skill group, Washington’s success will depend heavily on an improved offensive line—an area that struggled last season.
The Huskies bring in veteran help with the return of Geirean Hatchett, who spent last year at Oklahoma, and the addition of Carver Willis, a two-year starter at Kansas State. They join returning linemen Landen Hatchett, Drew Azzopardi, Maximus McCree, Paki Finau, and Soane Faasolo in what promises to be a heated competition for starting spots. In particular, the battle between Willis, Azzopardi, and McCree for the starting tackle roles will be one to watch closely this spring.
Defensive Rebuild Underway
On the defensive side, the secondary is brimming with talent and depth. The headline addition is former Arizona star cornerback Tacario Davis, who reunites with Fisch and his staff after initially sticking with the Wildcats in 2024.
With returning starter Ephesians Prysock sidelined this spring following surgery, younger defensive backs like Caleb Presley, Leroy Bryant, Elias Johnson, and freshman Ramonz Adams will have ample opportunities to make their case.
At safety, veterans Makell Esteen and Vincent Holmes will compete with transfers CJ Christian (FIU), Alex McLaughlin (Northern Arizona), and up-and-comers Rahim Wright and Rylon Dillard-Allen.
New Look at Linebacker and D-Line Depth
Following the departure of their top four linebackers, the position group is getting a major facelift. Transfers Taariq Al-Uqdah (Washington State) and Xe’Ree Alexander (UCF) bring experience, while coaches are high on sophomore Deven Bryant’s development. Freshmen Zaydrius Rainey-Sale (out this spring due to injury) and Jonathan Epperson (just enrolled) are seen as long-term contributors.
On the defensive line, projected starters Russell Davis, Jayvon Parker, and Zach Durfee are unavailable this spring, opening the door for significant reps among new transfers Anterio Thompson (Western Michigan), Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei (Arizona), and Simote Pepa (Utah), along with young players Elinneus Davis, Omar Khan, Caleb Smith, and Dominic Macon.
Spring Schedule & Outlook
The Huskies will continue to practice every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday through mid-April before shifting to Monday and Wednesday sessions leading up to the spring finale. The team will wrap up spring ball with the “Dawgs After Dark” spring game on May 2.
With new energy and an evolving roster, this spring represents a key step in shaping the identity of Jedd Fisch’s Huskies heading into what promises to be a pivotal 2025 season.
