Jacob Manu Will be Biggest 'X-Factor' on Defense For Washington Huskies

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

The Washington Huskies football team's defense will have a lot of expectations when it steps on the field for the first time this season against the Washington State Cougars at 1 p.m. PT on Sunday at Husky Stadium.

At the forefront of the defense will be the linebackers, which boasts a healthy amount of experience and athleticism.

At the forefront of that core will be fifth-year linebacker Jacob Manu, who has a good chance to close out his collegiate career on a high-note.

Of Washington's two starting linebacker positions, Manu received the lone starting nod at the spots. The second received the "or" designated between second-year Zaydrius Rainey-Sale and fourth-year Xe'ree Alexander.

Manu stands out as one of the most talented players recruited by current Huskies coach Jedd Fisch.

Fisch originally recruited Manu while the former was head coach of the Arizona Wildcats.

Manu's first three years with the Wildcats were productive ones. From 2022-24 in the desert, he played in 32 games and totaled 217 combined tackles (91 solo), including 16.5 tackles for loss, had 7.5 sacks, an interception, had five passes defended and recovered a fumble. He was named first-team All-Pac-12 in the 2023-24 season, the final year for the Wildcats in the previous and more traditional set up of the Pac-12.

Manu joined Fisch at the latter's new destination and transferred to the Huskies last offseason, but was unable to have the same impact as he did with Arizona due to injuries.

The former all-conference linebacker was limited to just five games last year. He finished his season with 24 total tackles (13 solo), including one tackle for loss and had one pass defended.

Manu was unable to have the impact he likely would have wanted with the Huskies due to the injuries, but that hasn't dissuaded his coaching staff's trust in him.

Fisch described Manu as a player that makes everyone better when he's on the field, which was reflected by him being voted one of the team's seven captains by his teammates.

His coaches have also described him as a "game-wrecker" in the past.

Manu's health and steadiness in the linebacker room will be crucial for the defense if it hopes to reach its lofty goals this season. The defensive line boasts several true freshmen starters and the secondary has a new starting cornerback duo, making consistency from Manu and the rest of the linebackers all the more important going into this season.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos