Mencke Gets Chance To Show What He Can Do For UW

Sophomore safety Paul Mencke Jr. has made the most of his opportunity to run with the No. 1 defense this spring.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player making an interplay, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action.Mencke's physical play and ball-hawking ability have caught the eye of the Washington coaching staff this spring.San Antonio Today

Through nine spring practices, the University of Washington football team hasn't had much personnel movement, but one player who has stood out is sophomore safety Paul Mencke Jr. Mencke has run with the No. 1 defense at times due to an injury to projected starter Rylon "Batman" Dillard-Allen. Mencke has made plays, including an interception and physical play, and is impressing the coaching staff with his progression.

Why it matters

With the loss of senior safety CJ Christian to a season-ending injury, Mencke's continued development is even more crucial for the Huskies' secondary. He has the physical tools, and now needs to show he can handle the pressure and be a trustworthy contributor on game days.

The details

Mencke, a 6-foot-3, 201-pound safety, played in seven games for the Huskies in 2025. He's part of the recruiting class that came in after the Huskies' 2022 Alamo Bowl win over Texas. Even with the coaching change from Kalen DeBoer to Jedd Fisch, Mencke stuck with Washington. With returnees Alex McLaughlin and Dillard-Allen penciled in as the starting safeties, Mencke and Rahim Wright Jr. will battle for the third spot behind them.

  • Through nine spring practices, the University of Washington football team hasn't had much personnel movement.
  • Two Saturdays ago, Mencke intercepted an Elijah Brown pass.
  • This past Saturday, Mencke shoved a mouthy and angry running back Quaid Carr away from the defense.

The players

Paul Mencke Jr.

A sophomore safety for the University of Washington who has been running with the No. 1 defense this spring due to an injury to projected starter Rylon "Batman" Dillard-Allen. Mencke has made plays, including an interception and physical play, and is impressing the coaching staff with his progression.

Rylon "Batman" Dillard-Allen

A sophomore safety at the University of Washington who is the projected starter but has been dealing with a nagging injury this spring, allowing Mencke to get more reps with the first-team defense.

Elijah Brown

A University of Washington quarterback whose pass was intercepted by Mencke during a spring practice.

Quaid Carr

A University of Washington running back who got into a verbal altercation with Mencke during a spring practice, which Mencke handled by physically shoving Carr away from the defense.

Taylor Mays

The safeties coach for the University of Washington football team, who has praised Mencke's physical tools and continued progression.

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What they’re saying

“You look at Paul and he passes the eye test. He's big and he can run and he's physical. Paul's a guy who continues to get better and better.”

— Taylor Mays, Safeties Coach

What’s next

With the loss of senior safety CJ Christian to a season-ending Achilles tendon tear, Mencke's continued development and ability to earn playing time will be even more crucial for the Huskies' secondary heading into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Mencke's strong spring performance, including making plays and showing a veteran presence, has put him in position to potentially earn significant playing time in the Huskies' secondary this fall. His progression is even more important now with the injury to Christian, as Washington looks to solidify its safety position group.