Jedd Fisch said it best on Monday: the trio of Carson Bruener, Alphonzo Tuputala, and Kamren Fabiculanan have seen a lot during their time on Montlake.
There’s been highs: an emotional Pac-12 championship over Oregon, a national championship game appearance, and lows: the Jimmy Lake era, resetting with 50 new players and a brand new staff in the trio’s final year as Huskies.
Grouped up for the final player availability of the regular season, all three spoke about young players they’ve seen step into their not-yet-empty shoes. Fabiculanan shouted out freshman safety Peyton Waters, mentioning the California native’s growth and development while contributing on special teams.
But when Bruener mentioned freshman linebacker Khmori House, Tuputala nodded emphatically. As Bruener expounded upon the “big voice” House came in with as a freshman, Tuputala broke into a smile.
Asked for a standout memory of that big voice, Tuputala said, “There’s a lot of moments.”
All three defensive leaders dropped their heads and laughed.
“That’s the best thing about him, man.” Tuputala continued. “Being older guys, it’s kinda my first time taking someone under my wing, same thing with Carson. But Khmori, along with all the other young guys, Deven Bryant, and a whole bunch of other names in there, just bring an energy to the room. Being able to show them the ropes, show them how to do things, but also, I’ve taken a few things from Khmori and Deven Bryant. Khmori is a great teammate, man.”
Washington will need that big voice next season – Tuputala and Fabiculanan are out of eligibility. Bruener technically can return next year, but walked on Senior Night and has spoken as if the bowl game will be his last game in a Huskies uniform. In the linebacker room, Drew Fowler will also graduate, leaving House as the only returning player with more than 15 snaps this season, pending Oregon and the bowl game.
The Huskies do have two talented freshmen – Zaydrius Rainey-Sale and Jonathan Epperson – set to join House in the room next season. But they’ll lack the veteran leaders House has had this season. Even if Washington brings in a transfer to start next to House, that player will have to learn what it means to be a Husky.
In that sense, the freshman’s budding leadership this season may prove to be tremendously important for Steve Belichick’s defense going forward, someone who can steady the ship as Washington goes through another transition, albeit on a smaller scale.
There are few better experts in the sport on transition than this season’s three defensive captains, though. And after December’s bowl game, that flag will become House’s to carry.