The Husky Haul
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3 things for Washington football fans to look forward to in 2021

By Roman Tomashoff

Nov 21, 2020; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (48) celebrates a third down stop against the Arizona Wildcats during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2020; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (48) celebrates a third down stop against the Arizona Wildcats during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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2020 was a tough year for everyone, so here are three things that all Washington football fans can look forward to in 2021!

Let’s start 2021 with some positivity for Washington football fans! There’s a lot for fans to look forward to during the next 12 months, so let’s get into some reasons for you to get excited.

Returning starters

Jimmy Lake and his staff are returning 20 out of the team’s 22 starters from the shortened 2020 season. This comes on the heels of outside linebacker Ryan Bowman‘s announcement on New Year’s Eve that he would be returning to Montlake to use his extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA.

The only two members of the starting lineup that aren’t returning are senior defensive backs Keith Taylor and Elijah Molden. While that’s a significant loss, Lake and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski are prepared to fill their shoes. Kyler Gordon and Dominique Hampton should be ready to step into those roles. The pair would probably slot in as starters on most Pac-12 teams right now, and that speaks to the depth the coaching staff has put together at defensive back.

On offense, along with quarterback Dylan Morris, the Huskies will be returning their entire offensive line. One of the biggest and most talented lines the Huskies have ever had, they only gave up one sack over the four games they played in 2020. With four of the five starters earning All Pac-12 honors, Jaxson Kirkland on the first team, and Luke Wattenberg, Victor Curne, and Henry Bainivalu all receiving honorable mentions, Morris should be well protected.

We should also see the passing game open up way more in 2021, since Morris will have more time to develop chemistry with his wide receivers. Four-star redshirt freshmen Jalen McMillan and Rome Odunze will become more involved with the offense during their second season. Along with the return of Puka Nacua, Ty Jones, and Terrell Bynum at receiver, All Pac-12 First Team tight end Cade Otton is coming back to Montlake to boost the passing attack.

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