Defensive coordinator Steve Belichick has installed an extremely exciting scheme for the Washington Huskies in 2024. As coach Jedd Fisch’s team ventures into the Big Ten, one of the most important keys to success in the new conference is a difference-making defensive tackle.
The Huskies look like they’ve found one in Montana State product Sebastian Valdez, who opted to enter the transfer portal and chose to spend his final season on Montlake in a scheme that plays to his strengths.
“With Steve, he has a great scheme, I’m always moving around,” Valdez said. “I’m not just a three-technique; I can move to the nose, and I can play 4i (aligning over the tackle’s inside shoulder). There’s a lot of room to expand your skill level; you’re not just a tackle, you’re a football player. You’ve got to be able to adjust and play multiple techniques.”
Fisch has also been impressed by the impact that he’s had as a pass rusher, and the versatility that he’s displayed along the interior of the line.
“I expect him to be a major impact up front,” Fisch said. “I think he can probably primarily play the 3 technique but he has some ability to go inside as the shade over the center. He’s strong, he’s powerful and he’s an extremely good worker.”
In Belichick’s scheme, Valdez is going to have a lot of help on the interior, with players like Logan Sagapolu and Jacob Bandes offering big-bodied assistance with their willingness to take on double teams, while edge rushers Voi Tunuufi and Deshawn Lynch have the ability to shift inside and make an impact against the passing game.
As the Huskies move into the Big Ten, Fisch understands that he needs to place a major emphasis on the interior of the defensive line and in the short term, Valdez could end up being a major force for Washington’s pass rush.
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