Champ Taulealea Steps Into Starting Role | Washington Huskies Football News

Champ Taulealea didn’t earn his starting right guard spot—he was handed it after a cascade of injuries upended the Huskies’ depth chart. Backing up Geirean Hatchett, Taulealea stepped in when Hatchett was forced to move to center for his injured brother, then took over entirely after Hatchett got hurt himself. Now, with Hatchett expected to return and challenge for the job in the fall, Taulealea’s opportunity is both rare and fleeting. Coach Jedd Fisch has called it a key battle to watch, and line coach Michael Switzer says Taulealea’s been improving fast—shedding weight and embracing the moment. With Hatchett nearing his seventh season and Taulealea just entering his second, the Huskies may favor the younger, more recent performer, but the final call rests on who proves best on the field. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b37c5d47deb44fcf