Washington Football: Victor and Bierria Look to Lead LBs

Chris Peterson heads into his 3rd season with the University of Washington, and looks to finally break Stanford and Oregon’s stronghold on the Pac-12 North. With football season coming up, we look ahead to where the Dawgs are set, and where their might be some battles.

A Year Ago…

Similar to the defensive backs, this unit was very productive for the Huskies, with seniors Travis Feeney and Cory Littleton leading the way for the Dawgs, combining for 119 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, and 28.5 tackles for loss.

However, Washington football did see some stars break out in inside linebacker core, Azeem Victor and Keishawn Bierria. As sophomores, the duo combined for 172 tackles, and 16.5 tackles for loss.

These numbers will, as impressive as they were for the first year starters last season, can only get better heading into the 2016 season, as the inside tandem head into year two as starters.

Washington Huskies /

Washington Huskies

Saying Goodbye:

Scott Lawyer, 6’2″, 223 lbs.
Travis Feeney, 6’4″, 230 lbs.
Cory Littleton, 6’3″, 238 lbs.

New Faces:

Camilo Eifler, 6’2″, 214 lbs.
Brandon Wellington, 6’1″, 215 lbs.

Current Roster:

Keishawn Bierria, Jr., 6’1″, 226 lbs.
Jusstis Warren, Fr., 6’2″, 250 lbs.
Brandon Wellington, Fr., 6’0″, 215 lbs.
DJ Beavers, Fr., 6’0″, 224 lbs.
Tevis Bartlett, So., 6’2″, 229 lbs.
Ben Burr-Kirven, So., 6’0″, 215 lbs.
Kyler Manu, Fr., 6’1″, 237 lbs.
Sean Constantine, Jr., 6’2″, 232 lbs.
Azeem Victor, Jr., 6’3″, 227 lbs.
Camilo Eifler, Fr., 6’2″, 214 lbs.
Jake Wambaugh, So., 6’1″, 230 lbs.
Matt Preston, So., 6’2″, 219 lbs.

2016 Outlook:

Now the veterans of the group, both Victor and Bierria look to lead a Husky linebacker core that will strike fear into the hearts of opposing backfields. Aside from Victor and Bierria however, the Huskies look to replace their two outside linebackers from last season.

Coach Peterson definitely has a lot of options however, as he has some players that having some game experience, and that are very talented. Look for Burr-Kirven and Bartlett to get more playing time this year as true sophomores backing up Feeney and Littleton.

Additionally, we could see some young faces that could make an impact right away. Incoming freshmen Wellington and Eifler both are blue chip prospects that could see the playing field right away, being productive players in high school, and having the talent and size to compete alongside Bierria and Victor.

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As well as these incoming freshmen, redshirt freshmen Beavers will definitely see playing time on special teams, and could also make his way into the rotation for the Huskies.

However, the big question is how does former defensive lineman Joe Mathis fit into this Husky defense. Reports in the spring stated that Mathis had made a permanent move to the “Buck” hybrid position that Hau’oli Kikaha and Travis Feeney previously held.

If Mathis can develop into more than just a pass rusher, then the Huskies won’t need to sub in more help into the linebacker core. However, if Mathis can’t play alongside Victor and Bierria as a fellow linebacker, than they will need to adjust their lineup, with maybe Bartlett and Burr-Kirven getting more playing time at the outside linebacker position.

All in all however, the Huskies look to be in great shape at the linebacker spot. Returning stars Victor and Bierria will look to lead this “Death Row” defense that can once again lead the Pac-12 in numerous categories.

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