JoJo McIntosh saw something in this group of Huskies long before Washington played its way into a New Year’s Eve matchup with top-ranked Alabama in the Peach Bowl.
In fact, when he looks back on this season, he described everything that has played out this year as “ridiculous.”
It’s ridiculous, because from the beginning just about everything has gone according to plan.
“I felt like, at the beginning of the year, Game 1, I knew we were going to make it,” he said. “I knew we were going to be here. I didn’t have a single doubt in my mind.
“I knew all of us were going to play to our very best and now it’s showing up. We’re here. I’m excited. The team is excited.”
So what exactly did he see in his teammates that fueled his optimism?
“Being here three years, the way we worked this summer, it just felt different,” the safety said. “Everybody had a different vibe. Everyone was together. Coach Pete (Chris Petersen) always talks about that brotherly bond and we’ve finally reached that.”
This season is the byproduct of Petersen’s “Built For Life” philosophy. This group of O.K.G.s has built a bond that has carried over onto the field.
“We just all came together and we’re playing like brothers,” he said.
Talk to McIntosh about his role on this team and he doesn’t mention he is No. 4 on the team in tackles (59). Instead, he focuses his attention on the team.
“I’m at the rover spot, playing on the No. 1 defense in the Pac-12, so it’s really fun,” he said. “I’m trying to do my best to contribute. We’ve got a lot of guys on that defensive side doing a lot of good things.”
It doesn’t matter the role, everyone on the team is contributing.
“The guys who are filling in, those guys are balling, too,” he said. “We have so much talent on our defense you can’t put it all on one person. Everybody is doing a good job. Everyone who steps on that field is trying to prove something. Everyone is going out there and giving it their best, playing for their brother. That’s why we’re so good. That’s why we have so much talent.”
The Details: McIntosh Focused On We More Than Me
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