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Kai McClendon Ready to Make an Impact With Washington Huskies
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- Kai McClendon Ready to Make an Impact With Washington Huskies
(Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Washington Huskies defensive tackles Darin Conley (left) and Kai McClendon speak to the media following practice Friday at Husky Stadium in Seattle. | Teren Kowatsch/Roundtable Sports
SEATTLE — The Washington Huskies defensive line will be one of the better units on the team from a depth perspective this upcoming season.
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The starting players on the line will feature a balance of experience, such as fourth-year interior player Elinneus Davis and fourth-year edge rusher Jacob Lane, and first-year interior defensive lineman Derek Colman-Brusa and first-year edge rusher Ramzak Fruean.
Another expected contributor on the defensive line this season will be third-year defensive lineman Kai McClendon, who seems ready to go after a difficult last year.
McClendon spent two years with the Mississippi State Bulldogs before transferring to the Huskies this past offseason.
After missing all of spring practice, even sporting crutches on the first day of spring, and most of training camp, McClendon returned to the fold in the final week of practices and looks ready to contribute on the defensive line.
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"From the outside looking in on his recovery, he was a dog in the training room," fourth-year defensive lineman Darin Conley said after a practice Friday at Husky Stadium. " ... Kai's always the first person in the facility, with his car. You would see him, he's got the best parking spot, he was in with (defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi), handled recovery. So hats off to him just getting back."
McClendon's been dealing with his injury longer than just this offseason, however. He first suffered the knee injury in spring practice with the Bulldogs in 2025. It's been a long trek for the 6-foot-2, 320-pound nose tackle since he last stepped on the field in a competitive game.
In 2024, as a true freshman, McClendon played in 12 games for Mississippi State and totaled 30 tackles (six solo), including 2.5 tackles for loss and half a sack.
Despite the injury, the coaching staff still views McClendon as an integral part of the defensive line this upcoming season.
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With true nose tackle size and athleticism and experience in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), McClendon can be a true contributor and a valuable rotational piece on the defensive line this season.
While McClendon was out, he grew stronger and will likely be an often-used player in run defense this season.
"I came a long way," McClendon said after practice Friday. " ... (I thank) our trainers, our nutritionist and coach Kaufusi for really getting me grinding ... being one of the ones to help me lose my weight, getting my knee back stable."
UW will begin its season in the Apple Cup against the Washington State Cougars at 1 p.m. PT on Sept. 6 at Husky Stadium in Seattle.
