Veteran interior disruptor with Big Ten-ready power
Valdez brings a grown-man frame, nasty strength, and proven production to Washington’s defensive front. In the 2024 season, he started all 13 games and posted 48 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks, showing he can hold the point against the run while still flashing inside pass-rush juice[4][9]. Coaches and observers repeatedly described him as powerful, hard-working, and physically imposing, with the versatility to play the 3-technique or shade over center[6][9].
