Husky Offensive Update

Camp opens on Monday so lets review the team on a position by position basis. So lets look at some of the changes and challenges that have popped up since last spring.

Quarterback - Keith Price owns the job heading into camp after a solid performance this past spring. Anonymous reports of late say he has looked pretty good during informal workout this summer. Don't dare write off Nick Montana. He will have his moments this coming season. The coaches would like to red-shirt Derrick Brown but with depth only three deep at the position they need to get him ready to play.

Key Insight - My gut feeling is that Keith Price is going to get the job done. I am betting that the transition out of the Jake Locker era will be much easier than anyone of us would have guessed.

Running Back - Chris Polk is a legit Heisman contender and he has solid depth behind him despite the disappointing news that Deontae Cooper will be missing a second consecutive season due to a knee injury. Jessie Callier is a future star. We expect a quantum leap of improvement out of him after a year in the system and the weight room. Johri Fogerson will get a chance to play at TB and FB/SB if he can stay healthy. Bishop Sankey is going to fulfill his wish of getting to play right away.

Key Insight - The Huskies will get over 2000 yards of rushing out of the tailback position.

Fullback - This position looked great until Zach Fogerson had to retire after suffering a concussion this past spring. True frosh Dezden Petty could start right away if he is able to consistently block. Walk on Jonathan Amosa was listed as the starter at the end of the spring. Look for Johri Fogerson to get some time here. He was scheduled to spend some time at the position last season until he was injured.

Key Insight - I think the coaches scale back their plans here unless Petty comes in and rocks everyone's world.

Wide Receiver - There is plenty of depth, talent, and experience at these positions. Jermaine Kearse and Devin Aguilar are the returning starters. James Johnson, Kevin Smith, Cody Bruns, and frosh phenom Kasen Williams are all battling for the remaining starting slot. Smith is just a stud and I expect him to have a break out season. James Johnson should return to his frosh year form. Bruns is steady and always finds a way to contribute. Keep an eye on Marvin Hall who will get a shot to play right away at receiver and on special teams as a returner.

Key Insight - If Williams is healthy he will start. The Huskies need a physical receiver and this guy is it in spades.

Tight End - Austin Sefarian-Jenkins, Michael Hartvigson, and Evan Hudson have the potential to be the best trio of TE's the Huskies have had in over a decade. That being said we are talking about a true freshman and two redshirts manning the position who don't have any experience. Despite that we expect to see a quantum leap in production out of the position. Marlion Bennett plays more of a slot back role in the offense. He made a few catches last season.

Key Insight - ASJ will show us glimpses of all world talent as a receiver. He may need a year to show us those glimpses as a blocker.

Tackle - There is some intrigue going on with this unit heading into camp. Left tackle is solid with senior Senio Kelemete returning for what could be an all conference season. Micah Hatchie who is being groomed as a LT will back Senio up. Ben Riva and Eric Kohler will battle it out on the right side. Riva looked to have won the job this past spring but he needs to cement that during camp. Bet on both seeing time at the position. The often injure Skyler Fancher will help provide depth.

Key Insight - Senio Kelemete needs to stay healthy or this unit is going to be extremely challenged.

Guard - Colin Porter started as a true frosh last season and proved himself to be a rock the coaches can depend on. Chris Polk loves to run behind him. Colin Tanigawa and Eric Kohler will battle it out for the job on the other side. Kohler has starting experience from last season. Michael Christie and James Atoe provide unseasoned depth. The loss of former walk on Daniel Kanczugowski to grades will be felt all across the offensive line. He was able to backup every position including tight end. Nick Wood provides experienced depth.

Key Insight - Colin Porter is a complete stud and he will be recognized as one of the top guards in the conference by the end of the season.

Center - Drew Shaeffer returns after winning the position last season. He is a solid and cerebral player who continues to improve. Porter and, or Tanigawa are the likely backups. True frosh Siosifa Tutunga could surprise a few folks if he plays early. His HS coach thinks this diamond in the rough has the ability to play right away. Just reporting on what the man said.

Key Insight - Experienced depth is a problem. It underscores the need for a solid OL 2012 recruiting class.