Tafai could be ready for heavy use

At times, University of Washington spring football has proven particularly difficult for offensive guard Kahlee Tafai, heartbreaking in fact.

Early in the fifth practice, the Los Angeles freshman, who was apparently feeling ill that day, got on all fours on the edge of the East practice field and violently vomited. He did it in front of wide-eyed fans just yards away, people who were standing on the other side of a metal fence.

Yes, Jedd Fisch said he wanted Husky fans to get an up-close look at his Husky football team whenever possible last spring.

Near the end of the 11th practice, Tafai was blocking in the Dempsey Indoor when he injured his knee. He ripped off his helmet in frustration and threw it on the turf. Five trainers immediately surrounded him. He was helped to a medical table for a longer examination but apparently escaped serious injury.

Huskies football has kept him on his toes, at least when he’s not on his knees.

“I think the first thing you feel when you come in is a sense of humility,” Tafai said at the Sugar Bowl. “It’s a little different in college.”

This is one in a series of articles — ranging from 0 to 99 on the Husky roster — examining what each top scholarship and non-scholarship player did last spring and what to expect from them going forward.

Tafai began the spring at left tackle, missed four practices because of his sensitive stomach issues and returned as right guard, operating with the No. 1 offense when he was physically able.

At 6’4″ and 350 pounds, Tafai is now carrying 15 pounds more than was listed before spring ball, making him the heaviest Husky by a wide margin.

While it’s unclear what size Fisch’s coaching staff considers ideal for him, it appears the new coach prefers his offensive linemen to play at much heavier weights than the previous staff. Note his body shape difference in the first two photos accompanying this article, taken this spring and last fall.

Heading into fall camp, Tafai could be a factor in the Huskies’ attempt to build a new line. He’s the big guy. He’s faced adversity. He’s played in front of a crowd.

KAHLEE TAFAI FILE

What he did : Tafai didn’t play in a UW game as a freshman and missed half of his senior season at Leuzinger High School in Los Angeles with an ankle injury, so it’s about time he gets some extended playing time on Saturdays.

Entry or not: He plays both guard and tackle, which works in his favor getting on the field. He may also be too heavy and needs to slim down to have game-day stamina. Still, with no fewer than three starting spots to fill, Tafai will be in the mix as the Husky line gets going.

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