Versatility will be an important trait that the Washington Huskies will look for when going after recruits during this class. On the defensive side of the ball, coordinator Steve Belichick has shown a willingness to utilize players all over the field if their skillset allows it. With another one of Jedd Fisch’s critical recruiting weekends in the books, the team will now await the results as plenty of their targets are scheduled to commit in the coming weeks.
One of the Huskies’ key targets is athlete Jonathan Epperson who, despite his “athlete” tag is being recruited primarily as a linebacker by other schools. This is an important piece of information to consider as the Huskies have been aggressively targeting players on the defensive side of the ball as the team only has one player committed who can help out on defense.
Epperson is a product of nearby Auburn Riverside High School where he has starred as a running back linebacker, and safety. Though he has some highlight reel plays at running back, the real debate regarding his position starts with the latter two spots.
Epperson routinely rotates down into the box, but can also play safety effectively in two-high looks. With his ability to get sideline to sideline, it’s also not a stretch to say that Epperson could handle single-high reps down the road. However, his eagerness to get downhill and lay crushing hits on ballcarriers is what excites him most for his future at linebacker.
Epperson could be a future star at MIKE due to his natural instincts and ability to read where plays are flowing.
Due to his experience in coverage, Epperson could become at the very least average in this area. Though he doesn’t have many reps carrying pass-catchers one-on-one this should be yet another area he can make strides in. Improving his ball skills will also go a long way against the pass.
The biggest impediment for Epperson at this point is his lack of size. At a listed 210 pounds, it may be a stretch for Epperson to get on the field as a linebacker in the first year of his college career, but if he can pack some good weight on to his frame, he could easily dispel this issue.
Epperson could present another debate for the Husky coaching staff. At his current size playing a box safety role similar to where Dominique Hampton thrived last season could get him on the field sooner but his potential ceiling at linebacker seems to be higher.
Playing the waiting game with Epperson as he develops would likely be the best option for the team, especially with the talent he possesses.