One of the most impressive parts of the Washington Huskies’ 2024 season, which has featured all sorts of ups and downs, has been the team’s improvement in the secondary. After finishing with the nation’s No. 120 secondary in 2023, allowing 258.6 yards per game, the Huskies have rocketed up to the No. 1 spot in 2024, giving up just 123.1 yards per contest.
While the Huskies have benefited from some newcomers who have played their way into the starting lineup, like cornerbacks Ephesians Prysock and Jordan Shaw and safety Cameron Broussard, one of the biggest boosts has come from cornerback Thaddeus Dixon.
Dixon, a junior college transfer who came to Washington before the 2023 season, has always oozed confidence and potential, but struggled to remain disciplined in his technique. That has changed under cornerbacks coach John Richardson, as he was quick to say that his discipline has improved the most while working with his new position coach.
“He doesn’t really let too much pass,” Dixon said on Tuesday. “You can’t really have too many good games with him, even if you play good, there’s always something. He holds us to a high standard and has helped me to play with more discipline. I feel like I’ve improved with my technique a lot, I’ve gotten a lot cleaner with my feet and my hands and trusting my speed running downfield.”
Dixon has become a vital part of Richardson’s group, leads the Huskies with 7 pass breakups, has pulled in an interception this season, and was honored on Pro Football Focus’ Big Ten Team of the Week. In the final month of the season, Washington’s secondary is set to face four of the top eight passing offenses in the Big Ten, which will make Dixon’s role in November even more important.