With Kalen DeBoer now coaching Alabama following his stint with Washington, players such as offensive lineman Davante "Nate" Kalepo are leaving the Huskies' football program and headed elsewhere.
Videos by FanBuzz
Kalepo, who started every game last season for the Huskies, has committed to Ole Miss.
BREAKING: Former Washington OL Davante “Nate” Kalepo has Committed to Ole Miss, he tells @on3sports
The 6’6 325 OL started all 15 Games for the Huskies’ Joe Moore Award Winning OL group in 2023
Will have 1 year of eligibility remaining https://t.co/twnYi5vLwg pic.twitter.com/tQXkVUs2bN
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 25, 2024
Listed at 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, Kalepo was a key part of the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line.
With one year of eligibility to go, he'll look to help head coach Lane Kiffin protect quarterback Jaxson Dart.
According to Pro Football Focus, Kalepo allowed just one sack last season on 572 pass-blocking snaps. He's allowed just two sacks in his college football career, playing a total of 769 pass-blocking snaps.
Kalepo's first chance at a complete season was 2023. He allowed 16 pressures all season, with standout games against Oregon, Utah, Tulsa, Boise State and USC.
He joins an Ole Miss offensive line that allowed 14 sacks, 95 hurries and 129 pressures in 2023.
"I loved the culture that Ole Miss had about them and I believe they have the opportunity to do something special next year and I want to be a part of it," Kalepo said.
In the 2019 recruiting class, Kalepo was the No. 376 overall player according On3. Furthermore, he was the No. 35 offensive tackle and No. 3 player in all of Washington.
Fans on X voiced their opinions on the move.
Alabama loses out on another one. It’s got to be concerning that he’s having trouble with recruiting his own players from Washington.
— Alcoholics Anonymous Thorne (@Thorne_heisman) January 25, 2024
"Alabama loses out on another one," someone wrote. "It's got to be concerning that he's having trouble with recruiting his own players from Washington."
Lane is hilarious. OSU pull 6 transfers and he posted a article about us. This man done took 40+ the last 2 years lmao
— Jay (@JizzleJay7) January 25, 2024
"Lane is hilarious," another said. "OSU pull 6 transfers and he posted a article about us. This man done took 40+ the last 2 years lmao."
Well, Ole Miss decided they want to protect the passer, it seems.
Dart with time does not sound like a fun time for defenses.
— Ungzabo Brujo (@UngzaboB) January 25, 2024
"Well, Ole Miss decided they want to protect the passer, it seems. Dart with time does not sound like a fun time for defenses," another X account user stated.
Now, we look ahead to Kalepo's final season of college football in 2024-25 with the Ole Miss Rebels.
