Washington's Safeties Will Make A MAJOR IMPACT On Ryan Walters' Defense

Jedd Fisch, Ryan Walters, Taylor Mays, and the Washington Huskies boast one of the Big Ten’s top safety units, can Freshman All-American Rylon Dillard-Allen and All-Big Ten honorable mention Alex McLaughlin anchor a College Football Playoff-caliber defense? Locked On Huskies host Roman Tomashoff and Last Word On College Sports' Nick Lemkau spotlight the Huskies’ elite secondary, analyzing Dillard-Allen’s physicality and breakout potential in the post safety role, McLaughlin’s production, and the rising depth led by Paul Mencke and freshman Gavin Day. The duo also examines how Walters’ scheme enables aggressive, high-IQ play, elevating Washington’s defensive ceiling for 2026. Attention shifts to the Huskies’ crowded tight end room, where Decker DeGraaf and Baron Naone emerge as key playmakers amidst lingering questions about roles and blocking responsibilities with Kade Eldridge injured. Could freshman Kekua Aumua become the next high-end in-line blocker? Recruiting takes center stage with underrated commits like Reis Russell and Maurice Williams, exploring how Washington’s eye for under-the-radar talent could spark future Big Ten dominance. 00:00: Intro 01:18: Projected strengths and depth of the 2026 safety room; player development and returning talent 02:52: Importance of Alex McLaughlin and Rylon Dillard-Allen to the defense and Walters’ scheme 05:50: Spring standouts, depth, and development of backup safeties (Paul Mencke, Rahim Wright, Gavin Day) 11:00: Tight ends: role uncertainties, injuries, and potential breakout players 13:46: Analysis of Baron Naone and Decker DeGraaf; versatility and impact on offensive schemes 20:48: Who is Washington's most underrated 2027 class commit? Become a Locked On Huskies Insider: joinsubtext.com/lockedonhuskies Locked On Huskies is part of the Locked On Podcast Network Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.