Washington football: 2020 outside linebackers preview

Ryan Bowman

The fifth-year senior is now the leader in the room, but might see a bit of a more limited role this year. He’s produced 13 sacks over 35 career games, but might have his role reduced to more of an edge-setting run defender during his final year on campus.

Under Chris Petersen, seniors would always get the nod over underclassmen. Jimmy Lake showed that the same philosophy didn’t always apply in his secondary, burning the redshirts of three true freshmen in 2019. With Latu burning his redshirt last year as well, and five-star freshman Sav’ell Smalls on his way, Bowman is probably going to lose out on some snaps.

Speaking of Smalls, let’s talk about the hometown hero.