Washington Football: 5 Key Players in Week 1

Week 1 of the 2023 College Football season is nearly here and with that comes the first game for the University of Washington. Washington Football will welcome the Boise State Broncos from the Mountain West Conference to Husky Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Who will be the key players to watch for Washington football?

Edefuan Ulofoshio, Linebacker

Ulofoshio has had his name bounce around season previews last season as one of the best linebackers in college football. However, an injury unfortunately derailed his impact on the team. Now, Ulofoshio is healthy and chomping at the bit to get going.

As one of four co-captains for Washington football, Ulofoshio will be one of the focal points in stopping the Boise State running game. He is a gifted tackler who reads the game well and is a vocal leader on the defense. The Broncos lean heavily on the run game and there will be times when Ulofoshio will be called on to plug those holes to stop big rushing plays. He will also need to be quick getting to the outside to stop dual-threat quarterback, Taylen Green.

Will Nixon, Running Back

With the unfortunate injury to running back Cameron Davis, others will need to step up for the Huskies. Although Mississippi State transfer Dillon Johnson will be key, Will Nixon will have significant work behind him.

Nixon has worked hard this off-season and has added some extra pounds to his physique. A former wide receiver, he has the skill range to contribute as a runner and pass-catching back. It’s unclear how the snap count will be split, but Nixon will be asked to play a significant role in Saturday’s game.

Parker Brailsford, Guard

There weren’t too many surprises on the Week 1 depth chart, but Parker Brailsford at right guard was one of them. The redshirt freshman beat out the competition and will start his first game for the Huskies against Boise State. Brailsford will make up the five offensive linemen who will be all key players against a Broncos defensive line in transition.

Brailsford has been one of the shining lights over the off-season practices. A confident player who has elite strength and despite being a little undersized makes up for it with his work effort and ability at the position. Brailsford will be looking to use his power to open up lanes for the tailbacks to establish the run game, while also protecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Edge

Washington Football has two of the best edge rushers in college football and both will be key players in Saturday’s game. “ZTF” will be up against a Boise State offensive line that is experienced, but has a redshirt freshman at left tackle who only appeared in five games last season.

ZTF will switch positions on the outside of the line but will fancy his chances against the left tackle with his explosiveness off the line and pass rush moves. ZTF will not only be tasked with getting to the quarterback as the Broncos have a talented running back group and stopping the run will be one of the keys to victory. He has shown in the past he can get off blocks and get to the inside and outside to snuff rushing attempts.

Jabbar Muhammad, Cornerback

Oklahoma State transfer Jabbar Muhammed will start as one of the outside corners in Saturday’s game. Muhammed has shown his playmaking ability in the Big 12 for the Cowboys over the last two seasons.

Boise State has some tall, big-bodied wide receivers on their depth chart. Muhammed is only 5-foot-10-inches but makes up for it with his tenacity and has shown he can make plays against top receivers. Last season he had nine pass break-ups and an interception. Muhammed is a physical corner and will have to be up to speed against the opposing wide receivers.