The “Moose” clearly has that memorable nickname and a rising Montlake fan base, as indicated by the surge of selfie requests introduced to him by children following the University of Washington spring soccer sport.
All the closely bearded Justin Hylkema must do is keep the course together with his requisite participant growth and make all the things repay down the road with a distinguished function on the Husky offensive line.
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For now, the 6-foot-7, 326-pound sophomore offensive sort out from Santa Clara, California, is a curiosity as he works his manner by way of the UW depth chart.
Justin Hylkema comes out of a stance within the Spring Game. | Dave Sizer photograph
This is one in a collection of articles — going from 0 to 99 on the UW roster — analyzing what every scholarship participant and main walk-on did in spring follow and what to anticipate from them going into fall camp.
Hylkema spent a lot of April because the No. 2 proper offensive sort out, enjoying behind 6-foot-7, 322-pound senior Drew Azzopardi.
He’s barely heavier than Azzopardi and could be a tad taller, all of which makes him an fascinating bodily specimen for the Huskies.
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Which is why he is in demand for a photograph op with these children hanging over the Husky Stadium railing all wide-eyed as he gladly catered to their cellphone wants.
Justin Hylkema (70) and Drew Azzopardi shake palms on the sector. | Dave Sizer photograph
Hylkema is in his third 12 months and barely older than 6-foot-6, 335-pound offensive guard John Mills from San Francisco and 6-foot-5, 344-pound offensive guard Champ Taulealea from Milpitas, all of whom make for a reasonably meaty Bay Area contingent on the UW.
While Mills began 11 video games and made a few Freshman All-America groups, and Taulealea appeared in 5 video games as a reserve, the Moose has wanted slightly extra time to construct the correct power, get his footwork down and catch as much as them.
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Once that occurs, this potential entrance wall of matching California Redwoods could possibly be as sturdy and imposing trying because the Golden Gate Bridge.
Put all of them collectively able to play and that would supply a most memorable {photograph} for these enterprising younger Husky followers.
Justin Hylkema (70) blocks an onrushing Devin Hyde. | Dave Sizer photograph
What he is executed: While the Moose is studying his place and build up his physique, he has performed in only one Husky sport, making an LA Bowl look towards Boise State. Previously, he was named 2023 Offensive Lineman of the Year within the Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division.
Starter or not: With somebody his dimension, it is crucial for Fisch’s employees to remain on Hylkema and get him able to play. Yet the window of development doesn’t keep open lengthy. He might want to present he can play some minutes this 12 months or danger getting handed by the large, younger guys the Huskies proceed to herald.
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This article was initially printed on www.si.com/school/washington as Moose Has His Fans, But Needs Husky Playing Time.