Jedd Fisch’s coaching staff did a very good job addressing various needs through the transfer portal during the spring, especially in the secondary. One of Washington’s first acquisitions was former Oklahoma defensive Justin Harrington, who has the ability to change Steve Belichick’s defense.
Harrington spent his last four years with the Sooners after transferring from Bakersfield College in California and had a lot of success in 2022, where he tallied 23 tackles and an interception, and seemed poised to build on that as a starter for coach Brent Venables last season.
However, he suffered a torn ACL after starting the team’s first two games and made the move to Seattle during spring practice, where he could fit right in anywhere on the backend of the defense.
The 6-foot-3, 219-pound defensive back played at Oklahoma’s Cheetah, or nickel, position in 2023 and could line up all over for Belichick. Cornerback Jordan Shaw thrived in the nickel throughout spring practice and could be hard to move off that spot, but his size and experience could also play well at safety.
Harrington’s speed and ability as a tackler could allow him to line up in the box as an extra linebacker in run support who also excels in coverage, which can make him a versatile option for Washington’s defense. Especially if he were paired with Sacramento State transfer Cameron Broussard, who can play center field and allow him to roam underneath.
His size also allows him to play man coverage against tight ends which can be a major advantage against teams like Michigan and Iowa, who have some of the nation’s top players at the position. Harrington’s addition brings plenty to be excited about for the Huskies, and if the coaching staff can help him reach his full potential, he can be a game changer this fall.
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