Parker Brailsford earned the starting job at right guard for UW with consistency.

UW offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb called the redshirt freshman a “twitchy kid” who moves “really well.” Head coach Kalen DeBoer said they’ve held up the Mesa, Arizona, native as an example of someone who plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played.

There were nothing but positive things from the Huskies’ coaching staff about Brailsford on Monday when they met with reporters. UW revealed its depth chart for the Week 1 opener against Boise State and Brailsford’s name stood out at the RG1 spot.

He was twice named the offensive scout of the week last season, but did not see any game action as a true freshman. His inclusion in the starting lineup has Nate Kalepo and Julius Buelow battling for the top spot at left guard.

“There’s gonna be a rotation,” DeBoer said. “I expect a rotation of some type similar to what we did last year. It’s competitive and Parker’s been right there for much of camp.”

Grubb said the same, adding that Geirean Hatchett would also see time at guard.

UW started a young lineman up front last year as well. Roger Rosengarten started all 13 games at right tackle after seeing action in just five total games his first two years on campus.

DeBoer has shown he’s not afraid to throw young players to the fire if they’ve proven they can handle it, and it appears Brailsford can. Of the four battling for the two guard spots, Brailsford had the best camp.

But DeBoer saw his potential back when he made an in-home visit in December of 2021 after taking the UW job.

Brailsford committed to Jimmy Lake. When DeBoer took over the program, the new staff made it a point of emphasis to keep Brailsford in the class.

“He’s just a really good football player,” DeBoer said. “He’s continued to put on some really good weight, understands the game, plays it the way it’s meant to be played. We’ve used him a lot over the course of the last year as an example of, ‘Man, this is what football is all about. This is what Dawgs do on the football field.’

“He’s just done a great job understanding the scheme. He can play not just guard but also center. Very versatile that way.”

UW opens the new season on Saturday against Boise State at 12:30 p.m. PT on ABC.