Washington Huskies' Difference Makers: Ryan Tolar

Sophomore OG Ryan Tolar from Pasco has been a difference maker almost from the moment he arrived on the University of Washington campus. The coaches were very tempted to play him right away, but ended up wisely redshirting him to allow him to get rid of the baby fat and build some strength.

Tolar is going to end up being a four-year starter on the Washington offensive line, and he should be around to see the Huskies challenge for a conference championship before he leaves.

The thing I like best about Ryan is the intensity he brings to the team. This kid was born to be a Husky and plays every minute like it is going to be his last.

He blocks very well, and has the ability to pull and lead which really gets the running game going. The kid is 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, so when he gets moving you really don't want to be in front of him.

Don't be surprised if he garners All-Pac Ten honors at the end of the season, because he is developing into the best of a very good group of linemen.

Last season, he was named second-team freshman All American, and this year he should be one of the better guards on the West Coast.

Ryan sat out this past spring to recover from an injury, but is currently 100 percent for fall camp. He is the official backup center in addition to his duties at offensive guard going into the season due to Garcia's injury.

Matt Sedillo will be the starter until Garcia is ready, but Tolar will move over in case of emergency. Ryan has really never played center, and it isn't an easy switch because of all the new line calls you have to learn. Hopefully Garcia is back to full strength after the first bye week as planned.

Tolar takes protecting Jake Locker pretty seriously. When Locker was knocked out of the Oregon State game with a viscous borderline hit Ryan responded by getting ejected himself after going after throwing a nasty forearm under Alfalava's chin.

Willingham may not have been publicly pleased, but Husky fans love the nasty attitude Ryan Tolar brings to the game. With all the cheap shots Jake received last season, it is good for opposing teams to look at film and realize that Ryan isn't going to put up with that.

Ryan Tolar helps lead a veteran offensive line that are going to be difference makers for Washington this season.