Although several players are ranked ahead of him on 247Sports’ transfer portal tracker, it’s hard to find a safety in the transfer portal with better numbers than Northern Arizona transfer Alex McLaughlin. On Monday, the 2023 FCS Freshman All-American picked up a crystal ball prediction from 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz to commit to the Washington Huskies.
Over two seasons with the Lumberjacks, McLaughlin put together some eye-popping totals. He tallied 167 tackles, 12 for loss, 7 sacks, 6 interceptions, 16 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles while playing all over the field.
Northern Arizona took full advantage of his versatility, utilizing him as a free safety over the top, nickel defender, box safety, and in virtually every role a defensive back can play. He was named to the All-Big Sky Second Team in 2023, and was upgraded to the first team in 2024.
McLaughlin reported offers from all over the country, including Arizona, California, Colorado, and Kentucky among the other teams that are interested in his services, but reportedly took an official visit to Washington over the weekend.
The Huskies are losing veteran safeties Cameron Broussard and Kamren Fabiculanan to graduation and the 6-foot-2, 195-pound McLaughlin would provide some of the experience position coach Vinnie Sunseri is looking for on the backend of the defense.