Husky Roster Review: New James Era Is About to Begin

The big freshman edge rusher went through a learning experience in spring ball.

Dan Raley | Jun 20, 2023

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Washington Huskies

Bralen Trice came to the University of Washington as an edge rusher, arriving from the state of Arizona, and he immediately disappeared on the depth chart for two years.

He practiced, but didn't play in any games. He got bigger and stronger, but didn't hit anybody in a different uniform until 2021.

Today, Trice is an All-America candidate and a potential No. 1 draft pick, and he's coming off an All-Pac-12 season and an Alamo Bowl Defensive Player of the Game performance.

Bralen Trice, meet Anthony James II.

The Texas newcomer is not exactly sure what awaits him in Montlake — whether or not he'll even end up as a Husky edge rusher — but James doesn't sound like he plans on sitting and watching everyone else play for any lengthy period of time without him.

"Coming early is definitely a benefit for me," James said of participating in UW spring practice before attending his high school graduation ceremonies, "so I'm ready for the season at least."

The 6-foot-5, 264-pound defender from East Wylie High in the Dallas Metroplex is considered the crown jewel of the UW's 2023 recruiting class, someone whose decision to play for the Huskies a year ago helped steer others to Kalen DeBoer's program.

DeBoer, after receiving James' signed national letter of intent last December, publicly thanked him for creating Husky recruiting momentum.

Going down the roster from No. 0 to 99, James, who wears No. 47 all to himself, is next up in a series of profiles about each of the Huskies' scholarship players and assorted walk-ons, summing up their spring football performances and surmising what might come next for them.

Anthony James II from the Dallas suburbs was considered the top player of the Huskies' 2023 recruiting class.

Newcomers Zach Durfee (15) and Anthony James II (47) go through a footwork drill during spring practice.

Anthony James II participated in 15 Husky spring practices after enrolling early at the University of Washington.

Anthony James II, who carries a 6-foot-5, 264-pound frame as a freshman, runs around a Titan bag.

Anthony James II gives the Huskies an edge rusher who has the potential to be a very disruptive player.

Anthony James II originally committed to Texas A&M out of Wylie East High School before changing his mind.

Husky coach Kalen DeBoer credited Anthony James II for getting UW recruiting momentum going last summer with his commitment.

Elinneus Davis (74) from Minnesota and Anthony James II (47) from Texas arrived together at Washington this past spring.

James, no relation, of course, to the UW's legendary coach Don James (1975 to 1992), comes across as a serious-minded player, especially when discussing his football prospects and his adjustment to the nuances of the college game.

Sizing him up, edge-rusher coach Eric Schmidt said what the freshman needed most was to develop on-field communication skills.

James, however, pointed to something else that's required of him, to the ever studious side of Husky football.

"[It's] learning the playbook, it's a new area for me," he said. "It's something I never did in high school."

You’ve been gone 6 months but seeing you walk this weekend was everything to me and more! Love you kid @AntJamesII #themshoesthough pic.twitter.com/0Qj00R02Bp
— Anthony James, Sr (@Antjamesdagreat) May 29, 2023

During spring ball, James diligently went through the various edge-rusher drills each day, working on striking a defender, spin moves and his leverage.

The mystery about him is whether or not he'll remain an edge rusher or get a lot bigger and become a UW defensive lineman.

"Let's let Mother Nature takes its course with him," Schmidt said.

It's something the late Reggie Rogers, the former consensus All-America selection and first-round draft pick, dealt with four decades ago. He played both positions effectively for the Huskies over different seasons. It was a matter of finding out where he was at his best.

"It depends on how my weight goes," James said. "I played anywhere in high school. I'll do whatever the Huskies need me to do."

ANTHONY JAMES FILE

Service: He has 15 practices under his belt, mostly running with the Huskies' No. 3 defense. He played three seasons of 6A football, the highest level in Texas, where the game is a very big deal.

Stats: James had career totals at East Wylie High of 51 tackles, including 10.5 for loss and 4 sacks, with 12 quarterback hurries, a pair of forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Role: James already is a 265-pound edge rusher, so he's not lacking for size coming off the corner. Expect him to play in a reserve role, and more as the season goes along.

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Published Jun 20, 2023

DAN RALEY

Dan Raley has worked for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, as well as for MSN.com and Boeing, the latter as a global aerospace writer. His sportswriting career spans four decades and he's covered University of Washington football and basketball during much of that time. In a working capacity, he's been to the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the MLB playoffs, the Masters, the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship and countless Final Fours and bowl games.