Azeem Victor gives Washington Football team strong defense

Azeem Victor has heard enough. While some project the Washington Football team to have some success this year, many believe USC is the Pac-12 team to beat. Victor sees it another way

The Washington Football team defense is solid. Coming off the 2016 season, the team allowed the eighth fewest points and tenth fewest yards per game.  As a result, the team continues to have high expectations.  This defense led the Pac-12 a year ago, and six starter core players return.

But in the minds of national prognosticators, it’s not enough to dissuade them from anointing USC as the team to beat this year.  USC could do no better than 30th ranked defense in the nation on yards per game.  Even more, the Trojans remained as 24th in the nation on points surrendered. But its the Huskies defense which pundits push to the defensive.  And starting linebacker Azeem Victor is as quick to defend his team as he is on the field:

Can this defense remain tops in the Pac-12?

Can’t deny the talent

On one hand, Azeem Victor stands behind his team regardless of the situation.  On the other hand, he has not gone out on a limb.  This is a defense that, despite returning just six starters, returns six very good starters.  We know that the pair of Victor with teammate linebacker Keishawn Bierra are in line for the nation’s best interior linebacking duo.

We know that Vita Vea is a projected first rounder in the 2018 NFL Draft per ESPN’s Todd McShay.   Add ProFootball Focus ranking defensive tackle Greg Gaines as one of the nation’s best run stoppers.  Finally, ESPN rated returning safety JoJo McIntosh as the team’s most versatile player.  That’s just more than most college teams find with 11 returning starters.

Azeem Victor is back

Victor is coming back from an injury last year.  But after his first day of practice, he shared with Kyle Waltos of Washington.247sports.com that

"“he has no pain in his leg anymore and he is back fully healthy after fracturing his leg last season. Victor said he was about 80-85% healthy during spring ball.”"

That’s great news for Washington Huskies fans.  But even moreso, it’s alarming news for the Pac-12. Victor was injured for a significant part of the season last year. Now, fully charged and even more determined, the defense will reflect his passion and physicality.

Next: Salvon Ahmed driving Washington Football’s optimism up in one day of practice

The Pac-12 is not a conference to take lightly. Each game tests the resolve and the skills of the Washington Football team.  But perhaps some have taken the Washington Huskies too lightly. While there is plenty of buzz about the Pac-12, the true battle is in the trenches.  That is where the Washington Football team shines.