The Washington Huskies are expecting freshman defensive lineman Derek Colman-Brusa to be an important part of the rotation at defensive tackle, and through the early days of fall camp, the 6-foot-5, 295-pounder has lived up to that billing.
The former four-star product of in-state Kennedy Catholic High School in the 2026 class has seen a significant amount of run with the first-team defense throughout both spring and fall practices, allowing him to refine his craft against Washington's talented interior offensive line, specifically left guard John Mills, who earned a spot on Phil Steele's Preseason Second Team All-America.
That level of competition, and a summer in the film room, has allowed Colman-Brusa to progress quickly as the game has slowed
down for him.
#Huskies defensive coordinator Ryan Walters talks about the physical and mental growth of 295-pound freshman defensive lineman Derek Colman-Brusa. pic.twitter.com/AYxOfCFvgh
— Aaron Coe (@Coe_Aaron) May 2, 2026
"His football IQ, that's for sure; I'm very proud of him for that," senior defensive tackle Elinneus Davis said of Colman-Brusa's biggest area of growth. "Obviously, we worked this whole offseason just watching so much film, and it shows. Now, he's able to process blocks a lot faster...there's always a few things to clean up, but I feel like he's honestly really growing; it's super good to see."
Alongside Colman-Brusa is his classmate, former four-star TI Umu-Cais, and together, Jedd Fisch's coaching staff is hoping the pair can emerge as long-term building blocks along the interior of the defensive line in the Big Ten.
"Just learning the scheme," defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi said of how the freshmen have improved since spring practice. "Increasing their football IQ, and then obviously, again, bigger, faster, and stronger in the weight room, so just overall in general."
Combined with Davis, the return of Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei, and a trio of transfers in Darin Conley, Kai McClendon, and DeSean Watts, the pair of freshmen can give defensive coordinator Ryan Walters a boost of talent and athleticism in the middle of the defensive line.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Freshman DL showing major progress for Washington football
