The Washington Huskies got a massive boost from freshman linebacker Khmori House against the Washington State Cougars. In his first career start, the former three-star recruit was one of the few bright spots in Washington’s 24-19 Apple Cup loss, and against the Northwestern Wildcats, he could be asked to play a similar role.
House earned the start due to his elite athleticism and was asked to act as a spy on quarterback John Mateer. He delivered with 5 tackles, which tied him for the team lead, and a pass breakup.
Led by quarterback Jack Laush, who took seven carries for 62 yards during his first start, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick’s group will rely heavily on a quarterback spy for the second straight week, and House is a great candidate to play that role.
“He’s super athletic, super fast, he’s going to be a great player for us,” coach Jedd Fisch said. “He’s a relentless competitor, he’s tough, he loves practice, he loves to work hard on the practice field and in the weight room. I think the more Khmori we play, the better Khmori’s going to get.”
Belichick echoed that sentiment.
“He’s got good speed, he’s got some good instincts, he’s tough,” he said.
With fellow linebackers Anthony Ward and Carson Bruener both ailing from injuries they suffered in the Apple Cup, House could see his highest snap count of the season if one or both are limited or unable to suit up.
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