The Washington Huskies are going to be looking for some help at safety in 2024 after Dominique Hampton departed for the NFL draft while both Asa Turner and Vincent Holmes opted to enter the transfer portal. Behind veteran starters Kamren Fabiculanan and Makell Esteen, position coach Vinnie Sunseri will have a lot of youth to work with in 2024.
Sophomore Tristan Dunn has been effective throughout spring practice, but true freshman Peyton Waters has been arguably the most impressive player at the position so far this spring and Sunseri has taken notice.
“Peyton’s learning every single day,” Sunseri said on Tuesday. “As a true freshman who should still be in high school, every day is a great opportunity to learn.”
“You learn from good reps and bad reps and as long as you continue to progress and stack day after day like Peyton’s doing, you continue to get better and that’s what he’s doing. I’ve been impressed by him, but I’m not satisfied with where he’s at right now.”
Vinnie Sunseri working with the safeties… pic.twitter.com/SocDgSWMFD
— Roman Tomashoff (@rtomashoff34) April 11, 2024
Coming out of Birmingham High School in California, Waters displayed a very high football IQ on both sides of the ball thanks to his understanding of how to play both defensive back and receiver. Now that he’s found a home at safety, he has displayed his awareness and athleticism early on.
He made an impressive read to step in front of a pass intended for wide receiver Denzel Boston for an interception and has taken a few snaps with Washington’s first team defense as well. Waters has even walked up into a SAM linebacker spot a few times to help stop the run, which could become more common over the course of his UW career as he continues to add weight.
With fellow freshmen Rahim Wright, Paul Mencke Jr., and Rahshawn Clark expected to arrive this fall, the Huskies will have a lot of exciting young talent at safety, but Waters’ head start might make him the first of the group to see the field.