Caple:
As for the redshirt freshmen — of which there are many, because the entire 2018 class was able to redshirt — I’d say these are the (very) early standouts:
DL Taki Taimani: Through five practices, Taimani has caught my eye more than any other young defensive lineman. His best play Wednesday came during what I like to call the trench vs. trench drill, when he busted through the line to drop Sean McGrew in the backfield. (And to answer another question I received: He is listed on the roster as Sam Taimani, but his teammates and coaches call him “Taki,” so that’s what I’ll use going forward.)
CB Kyler Gordon: He showed up ready to contribute in the fall, but the Huskies didn’t really need him. Now, working mostly with the No. 1 defense at cornerback the past few practices, Gordon looks like a real threat to land a starting job. He always seems to be in the right place, and even when he can’t make a play on the ball, he forces his guy to make a tough play to catch it. Plus, he’s probably the best overall athlete on the team.
WR Marquis Spiker: Some days have been better than others, but Spiker shows up in ways that he didn’t last fall, and so far looks like someone who could be a real factor this season. If you’re looking for a big-play candidate to step up in 2019, he might be your guy, even if he doesn’t end up starting.
WR Austin Osborne: The same goes for Osborne, who caught a 48-yard touchdown pass from Haener on Monday and seems to have a nice catch or two each practice. One thing to keep in mind with the receivers, though, is that Aaron Fuller, Ty Jones and Quinten Pounds are out with injuries, so the depth looks a lot different now than it likely will in August.
