UW Spring Practice No. 5 Ends With Defensive Dominance

The Huskies' defense shines in the final red-zone scrimmage session of the day.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:19am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic action of a college football red-zone scrimmage, with players, goal posts, and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors.The Huskies' defense flexed its muscles in the final red-zone session of spring practice, foreshadowing a potentially dominant unit in the 2026 season.Washington Today

The University of Washington football team wrapped up its fifth spring practice with a spirited red-zone scrimmage that saw the defense come out on top. Freshman wide receiver Jordan Clay made an impressive catch, but the defense made several key stops, including a sack by junior defensive tackle Elinneus Davis and a pass breakup by sophomore cornerback Elias Johnson. Senior edge rusher Jacob Lane noted this is the most physical group he's been a part of, and the defense continued to impress with the return of senior safety CJ Christian from injury.

Why it matters

The strong defensive performance in the final session of practice highlights the unit's progress under new defensive coordinator Chuck Morrell. With several key players returning from injury and younger players stepping up, the Husky defense appears to be rounding into form ahead of the 2026 season.

The details

In the 10-play red-zone scrimmage, the defense made several key stops, including a pass breakup by sophomore cornerback Elias Johnson and a sack by junior defensive tackle Elinneus Davis. Freshman wide receiver Jordan Clay made an impressive catch, but the officials ruled it out of bounds. Sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Jr. also scored on a run, but the defense responded with physical play, including senior edge rusher Jacob Lane's observation that this is the most physical group he's been a part of.

  • The red-zone scrimmage took place on Thursday, the 5th day of spring practice for the University of Washington football team.

The players

Jordan Clay

A freshman wide receiver from Texas who is making a push to become a starter.

Dylan Robinson

A sophomore cornerback who the coaches have been praising as a potential first-round NFL draft pick.

Demond Williams Jr.

The sophomore quarterback who scored on a run during the red-zone scrimmage.

Elinneus Davis

A junior defensive tackle who recorded a sack during the scrimmage.

Elias Johnson

A sophomore cornerback who had a pass breakup, his third in the last two practices.

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What they’re saying

“This is probably the most physical group I've been a part of to start off. One thing coach Fisch has been harping on in team meetings is to learn how to practice like pros.”

— Jacob Lane, Senior edge rusher

“Obviously it's what you all see. He's very explosive. Very pop. I mean he's a freshman but he's way ahead of what a typical freshman should be.”

— Elinneus Davis, Junior defensive tackle

What’s next

The Huskies will continue their spring practice schedule, leading up to the annual Spring Game on April 29th.

The takeaway

The strong defensive performance in the final session of practice suggests the Husky defense is making significant strides under new coordinator Chuck Morrell. With the return of key players from injury and younger players stepping up, the defense appears poised to be a strength for Washington in the 2026 season.