> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Where’s the Beef? Huskies Hoping Defensive Line Shows Up This Fall - URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/wheres-the-beef-huskies-hoping-defensive-line-shows-up-this-fall/ - Published: 2025-05-26T04:26:32.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T06:20:12.000Z - Author: Aaron Coe - Tags: Huskies, Jedd Fisch, Elinneus Davis, Ryan Walters, Jason Kaufusi, Jayvon Parker, Armon Parker, Logan Sagapolu, Simote Pepa [Embed from Getty Images](http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2213611042?ref=emeraldcityspectrum.com) SEATTLE, Wash. — The Big Ten has some big men up front, and the Washington Huskies spent this offseason preparing to stand up against them. The Huskies found some extra-large defensive linemen in the transfer portal, and those already on Montlake are working on packing on the pounds. It’s a concerted effort to avoid being pushed around up front against the Big Ten’s best in 2025\. Defensive lineman Elinneus Davis noticed a massive difference when UW moved from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten after the 2023 season. Plucked from Big Ten country in Moorhead, Minn., Davis felt it in 2024 after watching from the Pac-12 sideline while redshirting in 2023\. “They’re huge guys, for sure,” the 6-2, 315-pound Davis said in April of Big Ten offensive linemen. “A lot more run game. I feel like your technique really has to be on point to play with the big guys.” Washington’s run defense ranked 79th in the nation last season, according to Pro Football Focus. The Huskies allowed 161.8 yards per game on the ground, which ranked 87th. That will have to get better quickly for Washington to improve on last year’s 6-7 season and move into the College Football Playoff conversation. The Huskies brought in transfers Simote Pepa (6-3, 350 pounds) from Utah and Anterio Thompson (6-4, 306) from Western Michigan to beef up the line and add more bodies to the rotation. The reason for defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi was simple: “Just trying to get bigger,” Kaufusi said. According to the weights listed on the spring roster, the seven interior linemen likely to see the most time in the fall average 324 pounds. Washington’s base defense under new defensive coordinator Ryan Walters will employ a five-man front, generally consisting of three down linemen and two edge players. Depending on the down and distance, some players may shift between edge, defensive end, and the inside. Having a strong group of interior linemen is where it will all start defensively for the Huskies. Here’s a look at who is expected to factor into UW’s interior defensive line this fall (all weights per UW’s spring roster): ### Elinneus Davis (6-2, 315, RS-Soph.) Davis seemed to make a jump late last year during his redshirt freshman season while playing in a reserve role in run situations. He took first-team reps during spring in part due to injuries to others, but also because the proverbial light seemed to be fully on. He seems destined to be heavily involved in the rotation this season, whether or not the rest of the line is at full health. ### Anterio Thompson (6-4, 306, Sr.) Thompson played at three different colleges each of the last three seasons — Iowa Western CC, Iowa, and Western Michigan — and looks to be a factor for Washington in 2025\. Thompson looks the part of a lineman capable of playing effectively against the run or the pass. ### Logan Sagapolu (6-2, 345, Sr.) While most of UW’s D-line is looking to spend more time in the buffet line, Sagapolu has worked on putting a little less on his plate. An offensive lineman at Miami and Oregon, the Lehi, Utah native was listed 23 pounds lighter this spring than the 368 he played at on the defensive side of the ball for Washington in 2024\. Kaufusi sees Sagapolu as, potentially, "a really, really good nose guard.” ### Simote Pepa (6-3, 350, Sr.) Pepa, a transfer from Utah, gives the Huskies another big run defender in the middle. We didn’t see a ton of him early in the spring, as Pepa worked at getting in football shape. He appeared to get there and will be, shall we say, heavily involved in the defensive front this season. ### Bryce Butler (6-5, 315, Jr.) Butler played in just three games last season, but seems to be in line for more time in 2025\. Butler showed the ability to get in the backfield this spring. He seems most likely to be the surprise of the group. ### Jayvon Parker (6-3, 320, Jr.) Parker started 2024 strong before snapping his Achilles tendon against Rutgers in the fifth game of the season. If fully healthy, Parker has the potential to become one of UW’s best defensive linemen. Parker sat out the spring as he continued to recover from the injury, but he’s likely to be ready to play in the season opener. ### Armon Parker (6-3, 315, Jr.) The twin brother of Jayvon got the attention of head coach Jedd Fisch during spring. A few days prior to the spring game, Fisch mentioned him as one of the players who stood out during spring practices. That was despite not participating in most of the earlier spring scrimmages. He looked the part in the spring game, getting into the backfield a few times. Much like his brother, though, the question will be health. Parker has yet to play a snap in a game for UW. ### The Freshmen Omar Khan (6-3, 310, RS-Fr.) did not get on the field in 2024 while he redshirted, but looked like he had the size and ability to be a factor this fall. He’ll be one to watch for sure in 2026, and perhaps sooner if there are health issues with the upperclassmen. The future also looks bright with redshirt freshman Annas Davis (6-2, 300) and true freshmen Dominic Macon (6-3, 315).