UW defensive coordinator Kent Baer chatted up the defense with the Seattle Times the other day. While there is some optimism for next year, what's odd is Baer goes out of his way to say that he thought overall the defense played well, except for a few plays here and there in several games from last year. Why is that odd? Because Washington did finish 9th in the Pac-10 in total defense in 2006, ahead of only Stanford. So while Baer's positive feelings are great and all, well, things aren't exactly wonderful with this group. A lot of work is ahead for success next year, maybe more-so than just a few plays here and there?
But one position that should be a strength for next year is the defensive line. Good size and quickness at the ends, and some good bulk up the middle, the UW defensive line could be as good as it's been in years. DE Greyson Gunheim was 9th in the conference with a team-high 6 sacks and also 9th with 12 tackles for loss.
One guy on the inside that opened some eyes was Wilson Afoa (pictured). The senior-to-be defensive tackle had 5 tackles for loss and a couple of sacks last year among his 23 total tackles. Baer mentioned him as a big part of the defensive front next year:
"(Defensive tackle) Wilson Afoa is back inside and he's been a starter for a couple years now and he should be that much better. We just have to keep him healthy. He had a few nicks last year that slowed him down a little."
Afoa was the lineman of the year on the team in 2005, and while his numbers were just a little bit less in 2006 (in 2005 he had 33 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss), Afoa should be set up for a potential all-conference season as one of the top experienced tackles in the Pac-10 for UW.
