Jordan Hamm
The Arizona State Sun Devils are heading to Seattle this weekend to take on the No. 5 Washington Huskies. ASU is hoping to have a repeat performance from Trenton Bourguet to hope to play spoiler.
On the other side of the ball, the Huskies have some former Arizona prep studs playing at a high level. A lot of them.
Washington caoch Kalen DeBoer updated Sports360AZ on these players:
Dom Hampton – defensive back – Centennial
The former Centennial Coyote defensive back is the leading tackler on this Husky defense and has been a steady presence for Kalen DeBoer since getting to Seattle.
Bralen Trice – linebacker – Sandra Day O’Connor HS
Trice is coming off a 10-sack 2022 season with the Huskies and has transformerd his body as a top rusher in the Pac-12. In the first half of the season this year, Trice has tallied 17 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and a sack. He’s one of the big factors up front that can disrupt so much.
Parker Brailsford & Matteo Mele – offensive line – Saguaro & Salpointe Catholic
Mele was one of the best offensive linemen in the state at Salpointe Catholic, leading the way for running back Bijan Robinson in a potent offense. DeBoer told me before the year that Mele was slated to be the starting center for the Huskies. Unfortunately, Mele had a season-ending injury.
That meant Brailsford stepped in and been a key part on an offensive line that has only allowed four sacks all year. He’s also a player that DeBoer said was pound-for-pound one of the most talented players on the team.
Grady Gross & Jaden Green – special teams – Horizon & Mesa
The Husky special team unit has a couple of Valley guys as well. After handling kickoff duties last year, former Horizon kicker and 2021 National Football Foundation Luis Zendejas Kicker of the Year Grady Gross is front and center, hitting every one of his extra points so far and 80% of his kicks.
Jaden Green has been a consistent long-snapper for the Huskies, and according to DeBoer, he has gotten it done on the field and in the weightroom.
Lance Holtzclaw – edge – Desert Ridge
Holtzclaw was one of the most dynamic athletes to come out of Arizona. He is a gifted pass-rusher and a really good pass-catcher as well. Now that he’s with Washington, he’s tallied three tackles on the year and was the defensive scout team player of the year. DeBoer sees Holtzclaw on a similar trajectory as Bralen Trice causing havoc on the defensive line for years to come.
ASU and Washington kick off from Seattle on Saturday at 7:30 PM.
