The story of what Washington's defensive line will be in 2018 actually began four years ago.
UW hired Boise State's Chris Petersen in 2014. Petersen and his assistants put together a class that would include Shane Bowman, Greg Gaines and Jaylen Johnson. All three players were given redshirts for that season and used the year to develop.
Push ahead to 2018. One of the biggest questions facing UW is how to replace projected first-round pick Vita Vea's presence on the defensive line. While UW will use spring and fall to find Vea's replacement, the Huskies have an experienced core of Bowman, Gaines and Johnson to anchor the unit.