Washington continues to rebuild the safety room.
With Kamren Fabiculanan and Cameron Broussard graduating and sophomore Tristan Dunn in the transfer portal, the Huskies entered the offseason with only senior Makell Esteen and a handful of freshmen on the depth chart on the back end.
Position coach Vinnie Sunseri struck quickly when the portal opened, snagging Northern Arizona’s Alex McLaughlin, a former FCS All-American, to shore up the position. On Sunday, Sunseri got another decorated commitment when Florida International safety CJ Christian announced he’ll be coming to Montlake.
Christian was named All-Conference USA this season with the Panthers, totaling 80 tackles with 2.5 for loss and an interception. Originally a class of 2021 recruit, Christian had a waiver for an additional season of eligibility approved when he entered the portal on December 17 for an injury in 2022, giving him one year to play with the Huskies.
Rated as the No. 5 best safety in Conference USA this season by Pro Football Focus, Christian will likely step in as a starter for the Huskies, who already have McLaughlin in the fold, and return Esteen for one more year.
Christian is the eleventh player to commit to the Huskies out of the transfer portal, joining McLaughlin, Oklahoma offensive lineman Geirean Hatchett, Kansas State offensive lineman Carver Willis, Western Michigan defensive tackle Anterio Thompson, Utah defensive tackle Simote Pepa, Utah Tech long snapper Ryan Kean, Arizona linebacker Jacob Manu, USC tight end Kade Eldridge, Arizona edge rusher Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei, and UCF linebacker Xe’ree Alexander.