Is Lance Holtzclaw Washington's Next Big Thing?
Lance Holtzclaw committed to Washington in the summer of 2021 as an undersized but exciting and projectable edge rusher. After redshirting in 2022, he put on 15 pounds of muscle and was named the team's Defensive Scout Squad MVP at the team's postseason awards banquet.
Currently projected as a third-string edge, depending on the injury Maurice Heims suffered on the first day of spring practice, Holtzclaw could find himself playing a significant amount of snaps. However, if Heims is able to return to the field, Holtzclaw's time should be somewhat sparing.
No matter what, he'll find himself heavily in the mix on the edge in 2024 and could even end up as a starter after Bralen Trice and Zion Tupuola-Fetui head off to the NFL. Holtzclaw's high school tape displayed a player full of potential and Washington's coaching staff has done a great job developing him, both physically and on the field.
While he's already grown significantly since arriving at Washington, he still has room to add another 15-20 pounds to his frame. Strength coach Ron McKeefery's program has proven that it is one of the best in the country at adding healthy weight while retaining athleticism, and Holtzclaw could end up being one of the finest examples of his program.
Early on in spring practice, he's already showing flashes of what kind of skill set he brings to the table. Lined up across from second-string right tackle Samuel Peacock, he displayed an elite first step, burning Peacock with speed off the edge and recording a pressure on quarterback Dylan Morris.
Holtzclaw saw very brief action in 2022, playing in three games, and while he will participate more often in 2023, he might need one more year before he's ready to make a significant impact. However, once he cements himself in the rotation, he has the potential to become one of the best for the Huskies on the outside.
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