By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com

When asked about the difference between his mindset in 2015 and the way he looked at things in previous seasons, Joe Mathis pointed to one thing: Maturity.

This year, the defensive lineman has taken a simple approach into fall camp.

“It's not all about me,” he said. “It's about the team. Coming out of high school, it was about me, because I was getting recruited, All-American and all that.”

Instead of worrying about himself, the junior is focused on doing whatever is needed to help Washington replace defensive standouts Danny Shelton and Hau'oli Kikaha, who have both moved on to the NFL.

“I'm putting my body on the line for the team so we can do something this year,” Mathis said.

Not only is he working to do whatever is asked of him by the Huskies' coaching staff, he is also willing to play any position.

In fact, he has already taken snaps at every position along the defensive line through one week of fall camp.

“I'm trying to play every position on the D-line,” Mathis said. “It's a different transition, but it's fun. I get to use my speed and power more, even though I'm lighter.

“They're trying to get me on the field so I can make some plays, get mismatches with offensive linemen.”

As a sophomore last season, Mathis finished with 16 tackles – two sacks – in 11 games. This year, though, he expects his versatility to help him take the next step forward.

“They trust in me to buy into the techniques and buy into the knowledge of playing those positions,” he said. “It's fun.”

Mathis said the Huskies' defensive line is fortunate to have several interchangeable parts, players who can rush the passer as a defensive end, while also sliding over to an interior position.

While Washington lacks experience along the defensive line, Mathis believes the versatility of his teammates will help the Huskies find success.

“Keep proving people wrong, that's what we're trying to do, saying 'We can do this,' as a defensive line,” Mathis said.