Washington sophomore defensive back Trent McDuffie is finding his stride on the team. The former St. John Bosco standout has made notable accomplishments during his college career.
McDuffie strives to maintain Washington’s “death row defense.”
“Basically, it’s just confident, violent, smart football players,” McDuffie explained. “And each and every play, 11 guys are gonna get to the ball.”
During this season, McDuffie made 25 solo tackles and 35 total tackles. He also made six pass breakups and four tackles for loss for 12 yards.
This past season, he was given more of a leadership role. He helped the underclassmen players understand the culture and playing style of the team.
“I’ve gotten used to the speed of the tempo of the game and the playbook and started to key things faster,” he said. “So, it’s bringing the younger corners and get them up to speed so that when they get in the game, they will be efficient and productive.”
McDuffie finds inspiration and mentorship from his parents who both have a background in athletics.
“My dad does a lot of things with the youth and a lot of camps and a lot of things in that area, so I looked and seeing how that changes people’s lives,” he said. “My mom, she ran track in college, so she’s an athlete and she owns her own firm now.”
His mother also works to give him a business mindset while his father’s camps taught him how to build a sense a community anywhere he goes.
McDuffie is a sociology major and his favorite class was an African American studies course.
“I’m really interested in my history and what that has to offer and learning about a bunch of cool people that you never hear about that made a big difference in our nation,” he said.
His performance during the 2020 season earned him Pro Football Focus All-Pac-12 first team honors and a spot on the All-Pac-12 second team. It also put him on the 2021 Bednarik award and Jim Thorpe award preseason watchlists.
After playing 28 games for the Huskies, McDuffie has 71 solo tackles out of 94 total hits, two interceptions, 10 pass deflections, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
During his time at St. John Bosco, he helped the team win a Southern Section Division I championship and an Open Division State Championship. McDuffie was the no. 13 corner in the country and the no. 17 player in California at the time.
What McDuffie likes the most about living in Seattle is the abundance of love and support the residents have for the Huskies and the unity the residents have among one and another.
“I like the diversity of the city and how everybody really comes together,” McDuffie said. “I think the support in Seattle for Husky football … they really care for you.”
