Earlier today, Washington defensive coordinator/outside linebackers coach Pete Kwiatkowski met with local Seattle media via a Zoom webinar to discuss the progress at fall camp for the Huskies this week. Senior outside linebacker Ryan Bowman and senior defensive back Elijah Molden also joined the media call to chime in with their thoughts as well. The outlook of the outside linebackers group and senior leadership roles were discussed. They are very optimistic about the outlook of the defense this season.
Here are things of note that they said…..
PETE KWIATKOWSKI (Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers Coach)
Kwiatkowski said true freshman OLB Sav’ell Smalls is really “flashing out there.”@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Coach Kwiatkowski said OLB Jordan Lolohea is about a year away strength and conditioning-wise, coming off his LDS mission.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Kwiatkowski said Laiatu Latu is “night and day” from last year and expects big things from him this year.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Kwiatkowski said LB MJ Tafisi looks good physically and actually had an interception in practice this week.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Kwiatkowski said that Zion Tupuola-Fetui has really improved his “playmaking ability” and he expects him to shed some of that weight he put on during the pandemic.
He is currently listed at 278 pounds.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Kwiatkowski said that Sav’ell Smalls is definitely a guy who is “showing up” in practice so far.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Coach Kwiatkowski said, “just his growth, X’s and O’s, secondary play is second to none.”
He also mentions his team building skills.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Coach Kwiatkowski said, “he keeps us grounded” about Jimmy Lake as a head coach.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Kwiatkowski said, “I was shocked but not surprised” when asked about Petersen stepping down as head coach.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Coach Kwiatkowski said, “He’s an explosive guy,” in regards to DL Tuli Letuligasenoa.
He also expects him to be a dominant player this season.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
RYAN BOWMAN (Outside Linebacker)
DL Ryan Bowman said, “we still have a ton of guys who can play,” about the outside linebackers group despite Joe Tryon’s departure.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Bowman said, “they have an 8th grade mentality” out there with always trying to learn .@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Bowman said, “making sure that things didn’t change routine wise,” was the most important during this pandemic phase.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Bowman offering advice to incoming players said, “always have confidence in yourself!”@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Bowman said, “they have a lot of guys who are truly hungry.”@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Bowman said, “he has all the tools and will a great player!” about true freshman OLB Sav’ell Smalls.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Bowman said, “As a leader we make sure that we hang out all the time as a unit.”@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Bowman said Coach Pete talked about that “8th-grade mentality” to always be ready to learn more and striving to get better by absorbing information.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Bowman said, “it’s a bright future for us at linebacker.”@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Bowman said, “I had to lose a bunch of fat and then build muscle” in regards to his weight transformation during the Pandemic.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
ELIJAH MOLDEN (Defensive Back)
DB Elijah Molden said, “he really is a laid back and calm and collected player,” about DB Trent McDuffie.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Molden said, “instead of one coach, it’s like a duo now,” in regards to how the defensive backs group is coached.
Will Harris and Terrence Brown are coaching that group now.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Molden said, “every defender has a responsibility in the run fit.”
He also said “every offense has to earn it when they play against us.”@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Molden said he really has his eye on DB Kasen Kinchen and has personally taken him under his wing.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Molden points to WR’s Austin Osborne and Rome Odunze who have stood out in camp so far for the WR group.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Molden said, “as long as I hold myself accountable then I can hold others accountable,” with his approach to leadership.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Molden said, “he took me under his wing and taught me a lot about that position,” with former Husky Myles Bryant teaching him the nickel position.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
Molden said, “one thing that people don’t know about Dom is that he is really fast!” about DB Dominique Hampton.@DubLifeUW #PurpleReign#DubLife
— Jeff Wright (@jdub2379) October 11, 2020
WASHINGTON HUSKIES ADIDAS ULTRABOOST 1.0 DNA RUNNING SHOE – PURPLE/GOLD
Price: $179.99
Ships Free with code: DRAFTKINGSFS
SHOP NOW! CHECK OUT THE NEW WASHINGTON HUSKIES ADIDAS SHOES BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW!!
