Washington football: 2020 outside linebackers preview
![SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 02: Joe Tryon #9 of the Washington Huskies looks on in the first quarter against the Utah Utes during their game at Husky Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 02: Joe Tryon #9 of the Washington Huskies looks on in the first quarter against the Utah Utes during their game at Husky Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3d391d13bba91ec4f4068547f33aa2a65406e8a0a7ad04e5c926656c6a899c90.jpg)
Laiatu Latu
One of the most exciting recruits of the Chris Petersen era, the 6’4 Laiatu Latu has dropped to 266 pounds during his second year on campus, and the sophomore is going to make a big jump as a pass rusher.
During his freshman year, he demonstrated elite athleticism while playing between 275-280 pounds on the edge, and the drop in weight is only going to help him. After playing in 12 games as a freshman (he missed the matchup with Hawaii) expect a big increase in playing time for the sophomore. His short-area quickness is unmatched for a player of his size on the edge. He possess a ton of natural power, and adding an arsenal of speed rush moves will make him unstoppable off the edge.
Expect him to start the year as a situational pass rusher, and become more of an every-down player as the season goes on. Don’t be surprised if he ends up taking over as the starter for Ryan Bowman by the end of the year because of his ability to drop into coverage.