Fixing the Worst Defense in the Country (1)

The only way to fix the mess is to recruit out of it, and at last count the Huskies have around 27-28 spaces open on their team for next year. This is going to be a landmark class, the last one of these we had was Neu's 7 receiver class. That class by the way defined the program even into this season.

Thirteen or fourteen of these kids are going to end up on defense. I put together a best case scenario based on where we are now as far as verbals, and who is currently interested. We aren't off to a bad start, and if we can keep the best of the state home we should do ok. As Lappano says they need to start winning now to make recruiting easier in December.

Speaking of coaches, it would also help if they had some new coaches on defense next year, but since almost everyone in the Husky Nation feels that way I will save that for the end of the season.

Defensive Line

If you want to fix the defensive line it all starts with landing these big local guys. Ta'Amu seems to be pretty much a lock to go to UW, and Thompson is a good bet too. Rabe would jump on it if offered after being dumped by Oregon. Ta'amu could end up being an offensive guard, but he will get a look in the middle as a run plugger first. UW will take 4-6 defensive lineman this year with Ta'Amu being more of a swing guy that could count either way. I don't know much about Campbell other than he is good friends with Mesphin Forrester. Don't forget Kavario Middleton who could end up at DE or TE and play as a frosh if he comes to Washington. Kelemente has had a tremendous senior year and may be the best player in the state, that's right, even better than Middleton.

They could really use some immediate help if they were lucky enough to find a JC that could qualify. UW of course has been burned on this one more than once, and stud JC DT's that could get into UW, let alone consider UW are rare.

It would be great if they could convince Kosub who is still in school to come back next year, he had a good chance to start.

DT Craig Noble
DT Senio Kelemente
DT Alameda Ta' amu
DE Everett Thompson
DE Courtney Campbell
DE Jon Rabe

Linebacker

We have depth at linebacker, but as you have seen the last couple of weeks we need some better players. UW made surprising choices at LB in the past few years. Who had ever heard of Donald Butler, or Mason Foster? Panapa and Stuckey are good ones, but they are longshots to come here. Depth wise we only need one or two, talent wise it is a different story.

LB Ryan Panapa
LB Dewitt Stuckey

UW has been loading up on RB/DB's early this year in the effort to infuse more speed, depth, and athleticism on the roster. The guy that is the most intruiging is Golden who is the best corner in the West who recently backed away from Arizona. Glenn is the best corner in the Northwest.

Cornerback

CB David Freeman (Could play RB or WR)
CB John Tate
CB Anthony Gobern
CB Justin Glenn
CB Robert Golden

Safety

Everyone likes Vince Taylor and feels he could grow into something special. Walker is a LB who will play Safety in college. he wasn't exactly highly recruited. EJ Woods visited a couple of weeks ago and he is the best safety in the West. Woods of course is a pipe dream, but he did visit. He is taking some visits after backing off UCLA.

Hilton Dawson is a JC kid they have looked at out of high school, they may offer him if he can get in by Winter quarter. the coaches keep saying they are out of the JC business, but they could use some luck in this area.

S Vince Taylor
S Greg Walker
S EJ Woods