Jedd Fisch understands that in order for the Washington Huskies to compete in the Big Ten, he needs to make some significant along the interior of the defensive line. That’s why he invited former four-star recruit Jaray Bledsoe, who entered the transfer portal after three seasons with the Texas Longhorns, up to Seattle for an official visit.
But Bledsoe, an explosive athlete on the interior, wasn’t the only interior player who made his way to Montlake over the weekend.
Anterio Thompson
Thompson has taken a long, winding road during his college football journey. After starting his career at Iowa Western Community College, he enrolled at Iowa for the 2023 season and dazzled with his athleticism at 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds on special teams, where he blocked two punts.
Then, he transferred to Western Michigan for the 2024 season and while he wasn’t extremely productive, totaling just 15 tackles and a sack, he showed all the makings of a prospect that belongs at a higher level. With the Huskies searching for depth at the position, Thompson looks like he could be a promising depth piece for coach Jason Kaufusi’s defensive front.
Simote Pepa
An integral piece of Utah’s defensive line, Pepa is looking for a new home following four years with the Utes. The 6-foot-3, 340-pounder has accrued 45 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and 4 sacks in his career.
The majority of Pepa’s production came in 2022, where he was named to the AP’s All-Pac-12 First Team and College Football Network’s Freshman All-America team. In his final season of eligiblity, he could be a strong run defender, which will be vital for Washington’s defense in 2025.
The Huskies need to add at least two or three players to the position through the portal and if Fisch’s coaching staff can secure commitments from all three visitors, that could go a long way toward building a competitive front that could help Washington’s run defense take a big step forward in 2025.