Monday Dots: On the Nose (Tackle)

Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images

I sit here on the stairs

‘Cause I’d rather be alone

If I can’t have Dots right now, I’ll wait, dear

• Perhaps the greatest source of consternation among Husky fans this summer has been the dearth of interior defensive linemen in the recruiting class. The Dawgs flipped that narrative on Saturday with the commitment of Tufanua Ionatana (“TI”) Umu-Cais. At 6’3” and already 307 lbs., the big man looks like the sort of true space-eater who anchored the UW defense in the days of Elijah Qualls, Danny Shelton, and Vita Vea. Going into the commitment ceremony, UCLA was considered by many to be the front-runner to secure Umu-Cais’ commitment over UW, Colorado, and North Carolina. Defying the odds and getting his commitment is a huge feather in the cap for DL Coach Jason Kaufusi.

• For more on TI, Dawgman has a breakdown of the impact of his commitment for the Huskies. Umu-Cais looks like a prospect who will line up in the middle. Derek Colman-Brusa, another recruiting coup in this cycle, has a good chance to grow into the interior DL as more of a three-technique. If DC Ryan Walters continues to lean on a hybrid 3/5-man front, it’s easy to see those two playing many snaps next to each other in a few years.

• Dawgman also continue their countdown of the twenty most important players for the 2026 Huskies. Checking in at #7 is Denzel Boston. The RS-Jr WR broke out last year as the top pass-catching option for most of the season. Giles Jackson leapfrogged him for the team lead in receiving yards with a big bowl game, but Boston was the steadiest receiver through the year. With an inexperienced receiving corps around him and a QB entering his first full season as a starter, Boston’s steady hands in the possession game will be even more important this fall.

• There are lots of good notes in Christian Caple’s summary of the Big 10 Media Days. He specifically discussed the differences between Steve Belichick and Walters with CB Ephesians Prysock. According to Prysock, we will not see drastic changes to the defensive scheme, but Walters definitely has more of an edge to his communication and coaching style than the laid-back Belichick.

• Last week, I wrote about several Huskies competing at the Track and Field World University Games in Germany. That competition wrapped up over the weekend and one Dawg had a great showing. Julia David-Smith, an Issaquah-born who also holds French citizenship, won the championship the 5,000 meter race. Bravo, Julia!

Final weekend before Season 25 starts up! So grateful for this staff and for @amberfisch10 pic.twitter.com/KBigteaYrD

— Jedd Fisch (@CoachJeddFisch) July 28, 2025

2018 Apple Cup.

A Washington win over #8 WSU sent the Huskies to the PAC-12 Title. pic.twitter.com/bVMlab7CgE

— WestCoastCFB (@WestCoastCFB) July 26, 2025

This man is the best in the business… put some respect on his name #shhhhh #GoHuskies #PurpleReign #TrustTheProcess ☔️☔️☔️☔️ pic.twitter.com/RpGV1IEjtY

— Ryan Walters (@Coach_Walters) July 26, 2025

"Every time he touches the

ball, he’s got a chance to take it to the house.” Coming in at No. 1 on The Oklahoman's Super 30 list is Norman North WR and Washington commit Mason James (@MasonJames_1). #okpreps https://t.co/83b8BrRxuh

— Nick Sardis (@nick_sardis) July 27, 2025

TOP 15 RUNNING BACKS IN THE BIG TEN

Which player should've been listed higher? Follow, like, and RT for more #B1G content! pic.twitter.com/UaGSwbPFy6

— Week-to-Week CFB (@CFBW2W) July 26, 2025

More from uwdawgpound.com:

• Husky Coaches Are Busy On The Recruiting Trail
• Friday Dots: Will the Huskies find snaps for all their running backs?
• Husky Softball pulls off legendary comeback to finish statement sweep at Utah
• Dots: Comeback Kids
• Friday Dots: Who are the Huskies’ top draft prospects for 2018?
• Dots: Ross inks Rookie deal with Bengals
• Dots: Madden-ing