DEFENSIVE LINE
End
Starters: Isaiahh Loudermilk, 6foot-7, 307 pounds, redshirt junior; and Matt Henningsen, 6-3, 271, redshirt sophomore.
Key reserves: Garrett Rand, 6-2, 279, redshirt junior; and Isaiah Mullens, 6-4, 280, redshirt freshman.
Nose tackle
Starter: Bryson Williams, 6-2, 304, sophomore.
Key reserve: Gunner Roberge, 6-4,
295, senior.
INSIDE THE HUDDLE
Injuries stripped the unit of several key play-makers last season, which forced reserves into full-time roles. Opponents were able to take advantage either by pounding the ball on the ground or taking advantage of the lack of pass rush by attacking the young secondary.
All signs point toward UW being firmer against the run in 2019 – if Rand and Loudermilk can stay healthy. An end rotation of Henningsen, Loudermilk and Rand is a good starting point. Adding at least one more contributor at that position would help significantly.
“I’ve been impressed with Henningsen,” head coach Paul Chryst said. “He has been good. For us to be good, you need that group to be what we think they can be. What they think they can be.”
The staff wants to groom a second nose tackle to help keep Williams fresh. However, remember that UW plays a 2-4-5 against teams that don’t feature a strong running game.
Another player to watch in camp is redshirt freshman end C.J. Goetz, who was switched to end from linebacker after he arrived at UW. Goetz, 6-3 and 247, is still undersized but showed a knack for getting into the backfield during spring ball. Might he develop into a pass-rush specialist who can contribute on obvious passing downs?