Will UW’s new-look offensive line stay strong after solid start?
Huskies Carver Willies during spring football practice Thursday morning in the Dempsey Indoor Center in Seattle, Washington, on August 7, 2025. (Kevin Clark / The Seattle Times)
By Andy Yamashita Seattle Times staff reporter
The self evaluation of Washington’s offensive line play was consistent.
As long as the group’s performance against Colorado State is the baseline measurement, a point of reference for the unit’s play for the rest of the season, then coach Jedd Fisch is happy with the way they performed.
“The offensive line set a good foundation all the way across the board,” Fisch said. “And now it’s a matter of how good can we become this week? Can we continue to be physical and be an aggressive offensive line?”
Washington’s new starting offensive line — sixth-year left tackle Carver Willis, freshman left guard John Mills, junior center Landen Hatchett, sixth-year right tackle Geirean Hatchett and junior right tackle Drew Azzopardi — played their first game together against Colorado State Aug. 30. Redshirt freshman Paki Finau also played 23 snaps at left guard, rotating in for Mills.
They paved the way for an effective UW rushing attack that totaled 283 yards and four touchdowns and protected sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Jr. long enough for him to pass for 226 yards and another score. But Willis said he and the rest of the offensive line still have lots of room to grow before Washington plays UC Davis at Husky Stadium for an 8 p.m. kickoff Saturday.
“Its great to win your first game and do it in a good way,” Willis said. “But I feel like the best feeling in football is having a really great performance in week one with a win and still feeling like you left a lot on the table. And I’d say that’s certainly how I feel, and how I think a lot of guys on the offense feel.”
Pro Football Focus graded Washington’s offensive line particularly high. Azzopardi, Willis, Landen Hatchett and Mills received UW’s four best overall offensive grades. None of the six offensive linemen who played against Colorado State were credited with allowing a sack.
Williams was sacked three times by the Rams, but PFF did not lay the blame at any one lineman’s feet. Azzopardi, Landen Hatchett, Mills and Finau did not surrender a single pressure. UW offensive coordinator Jimmie Dougherty said the offensive line’s performance was particularly impressive because of the heavy dose of blitzes Colorado State defensive coordinator Tyson Summers called.
It was a particularly encouraging start to the season for Azzopardi. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound tackle had a difficult 2024 season after transferring to UW from San Diego State. Azzopardi gave up 29 pressures, 18 hurries, four quarterback hits and seven sacks during the past season while committing a team-leading six penalties.
He was forced into action simply because the Huskies didn’t have enough bodies at tackle after the 2023 offseason exodus. UW rotated through three different left tackles because of injury and performance in 2024, making Azzopardi’s availability crucial even while he was struggling with the step up to a higher level of college football.
But against Colorado State, Azzopardi was imposing on the right side of the line. It was his crucial block that sprung senior running back Jonah Coleman’s 26-yard touchdown run on UW’s first drive of the game. The Huskies ran toward Azzopardi 10 times. They totaled 75 yards rushing. Azzopardi earned UW’s highest offensive grade from PFF, an 88.2. The lone flaw in his performance was a first-quarter false start.
Fisch was full of praise for Azzopardi. He said the coaching staff challenged the right tackle to become more flexible during the offseason, incorporating yoga into his training regimen. The training staff also helped Azzopardi redefine his body, dropping fat for muscle, while refining his technique, Fisch said. The UW coach added that Azzopardi and seventh-year tight end Quentin Moore were a formidable blocking duo when lined up together.
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“He finished blocks,” Fisch said. “He was taking guys and walking them back which is always good to see. He plays with a nastiness, which is good when it comes to offensive line play. He did a good job in communication and pass protection.”
But Azzopardi wasn’t the only offensive lineman who impressed Fisch. The Husky coach complimented Landen Hatchett for handling all 14 checks with Williams, and said the Ferndale native’s ability to clearly and correctly communicate with the sideline was highly appreciated.
Fisch also gave kudos to Willis, playing his first game at left tackle since 2023. Willis similarly reshaped his body like Azzopardi during the offseason. He was listed at 291 pounds when he transferred to Washington from Kansas State in January, but was listed at 312 pounds once UW updated its weights shortly before the season. He credited Fisch and the Husky training staff for helping him gain and keep weight on before his lone season at UW.
Willis earned UW’s second-highest offensive grade of the game behind only Azzopardi. UW’s 11 rushing attempts toward the left side of the offensive line totaled 63 yards, and Willis earned a higher run-blocking grade from PFF than Azzopardi.
However, the 6-5 Colorado native was critical of his own performance while he continued to adjust to left tackle.
Willis allowed a team-high four pressures — three hurries and a quarterback hit. He said he made some poor decisions that put him in bad positions. Willis said he was overthinking and trying to do too much instead of letting the game come to him.
“Although I feel good,” he said, “I’m looking forward to making those corrections.”
Andy Yamashita: ayamashita@seattletimes .com. Andy Yamashita is a sports reporter at The Seattle Times, primarily covering Washington Huskies football.