It’s always a feat when a true freshman gets to start games or play a major role at any position, and Washington Huskies linebacker Khmori House has turned into a star during his first year of college football.
Linebacker is often a position that gets overlooked for its importance and difficulty, especially for young players. Communicating with the defensive front ahead of you, the defensive backfield behind you, and with the other linebackers on the field can threaten to overwhelm a young player.
For House, he has made the transition from high school to college football look seamless, even though he isn’t currently built like a traditional linebacker. With senior Carson Bruener, who is listed at 6-foot-2, 226 pounds, and Alphonzo Tuputala at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, it’s shocking to see a player like House, who is at 6-foot, 213 pounds, playing the same position with such ease, especially in the Big Ten.
Luckily for House, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick understands the role that he can play in the resurgent Husky defense. House is a terrific athlete who can act as a supplement to the consistency and leadership that Tuputala and Bruener bring to the field.
Although Washington State defeated Washington in the Apple Cup, it was the first time House showed the coaching staff his ability to transform the defense. When he was on the field, Cougars quarterback John Mateer struggled to run the ball the way he wanted.
House’s athleticism was able to keep him contained for the most part and showed the coaching staff just how far he has come since arriving on campus in the spring.
He continued his coming out party against Northwestern as the Wildcats wanted to run a similar offense based around quarterback Jack Lausch’s ability to make plays with his legs. House was not only able to help the team keep him contained, but he also snagged his first career interception.
Khmori House’s first career INT ⤵️#B1GFootball x @UW_Football pic.twitter.com/z5clYN60By
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 23, 2024
It’s rare to see a player look so dominant early on, and House is far more advanced technically and instinctually than many of his peers in the 2024 class. His progression since arriving on campus should be a major concern to opposing offensive coordinators.
Washington’s defensive staff will likely look to continue to add weight to his frame in order for him to take over one of the spots that will be vacated by Bruener and Tuputala next season.
With fellow linebacker Zaydrius Rainey-Sale as the gem of the Huskies’ 2025 recruiting class, the pairing of Rainey-Sale and House has to have Belichick excited for the future of his defense.