UW Dawg Pound - Washington Spring Preview 2015 SeriesAll I Blogged Was Purplehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51197/uw-fav.png2015-03-29T08:00:03-07:00http://www.uwdawgpound.com/rss/stream/80312162015-03-29T08:00:03-07:002015-03-29T08:00:03-07:00Washington Spring Preview 2015: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
<figure>
<img alt="WR Dante Pettis" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K2uugXyB_eQ0FMJ2624hBhGvezQ=/0x76:3404x2345/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45998026/usa-today-8314944.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>WR Dante Pettis | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An up-and-down 2014 season in which the pass-catchers were caught in a general offensive malaise gives way to a 2015 with obvious potential and even more obvious depth questions. </p> <h4>2014 Year in Review</h4>
<p><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2014/2/21/5419962/washington-spring-preview-2014-wide-receivers-tight-ends">Here's what Brad had to say about the wide receivers/tight ends before last spring</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>For the first time in about 15 years, fans look at the roster and can genuinely wonder if there are enough receivers on the team. That's an even greater concern for this spring, as Williams continues to rehab from his injury and the Stringfellow eligibility remains unresolved. Unless <span>Darrell Daniels</span> is moved back to receiver or Stringfellow is suddenly reinstated, there won't be a single wideout over six feet tall, and the only one even close to 200 pounds would be <span>Kendyl Taylor</span> (assuming he's moved there). While there is speed in guys like Mickens, Ross, and Hall, it'll be tough to run a lot of the wide receiver screen concepts without able blockers on the perimeter. Depending on how Petersen and Jonathon Smith ultimately envision the offense, that lack of true perimeter receivers could inhibit the installation of a new offense. Not good.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>He was basically correct. Early in the season the options at WR basically boiled down to Ross and Mickens with a touch of <span>DiAndre Campbell</span>. As the year went on, true freshmen <span>Dante Pettis</span> and <span>Brayden Lenius</span> got involved out of necessity, especially after Ross switched to corner. <span>Kasen Williams</span> was present but rarely contributed.</p>
<p>Depth at the position was certainly an issue, and it's unclear how much the weakness of this group hurt <span>Cyler Miles</span> vs. Cyler Miles hurting this group. It's probably safe to say it ran both ways.</p>
<p>At tight end, we saw Cyler develop a little bit of third-down chemistry with <span>Joshua Perkins</span> that never bloomed into an every-down relationship. Darrell Daniels also hinted at his big-play potential (he is a former WR with plus speed).</p>
<p>Overall it was a strange, uneven year for both positions, which is understandable in the context of the coaching change and quarterback/offensive line struggles. It felt like a year stuck in transition, with older players like Kasen and DiAndre lingering without being fully involved and younger players like Pettis and Lenius not quite ready to pick up the slack.</p>
<h4>Players Lost/Players Returning</h4>
<table border="0" width="324">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>No.</b></td>
<td><b>Name</b></td>
<td><b>Position</b></td>
<td><b>Year</b></td>
<td><b>Height</b></td>
<td><b>Weight</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Gone</i></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Kasen Williams</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Sr</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>217</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td>DiAndre Campbell</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Sr</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>206</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>84</td>
<td><span>Michael Hartvigson</span></td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>Sr</td>
<td>6-6</td>
<td>251</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Returning</i></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td><span>Jaydon Mickens</span></td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Sr</td>
<td>5-11</td>
<td>171</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><span>John Ross</span></td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Jr</td>
<td>5-11</td>
<td>194</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td><span>Marvin Hall</span></td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Sr</td>
<td>5-10</td>
<td>187</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>87</td>
<td>Dante Pettis</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>So</td>
<td>6-0</td>
<td>183</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>81</td>
<td>Brayden Lenius</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>So</td>
<td>6-5</td>
<td>217</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>82</td>
<td>Joshua Perkins</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>Sr</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>226</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Darrell Daniels</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>Jr</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>230</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>85</td>
<td><span>David Ajamu</span></td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>So</td>
<td>6-5</td>
<td>251</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>88</td>
<td><span>Drew Sample</span></td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>RFr</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>249</td>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<h4>Storylines to Watch</h4>
<p><b>Are the sophomores ready to take over?</b><br>Kasen and Campbell are gone, and Lenius and Pettis are a year older with a year of early experience under their belt. Ross will nab deep balls and Mickens will catch screens, but this offense badly needs pass-catchers capable of doing everything in between. In particular, Pettis seems to have the potential to develop into a great option in the middle of the field, while Lenius has the frame to dominate in the red zone. Will Pettis and Lenius be ready to take a large step forward from occasional contributors to cogs in a consistent passing attack?</p>
<p><b>Will Ross be allowed to focus his talents at WR?</b><br>The need at cornerback grew so large with he dismissal of <span>Marcus Peters</span> that Ross was moved from an already thin position to serve as a starter on the other side of the ball. Technically we still don't know where he'll play next season. Many have taken the new spring roster, which lists Ross at WR, as a clue or even a quiet announcement, but it has not been confirmed. In other news, that same roster lists Ross as bulking up to a solid 194 pounds. Assuming he does stick to WR full time, can the most explosive player on the roster develop enough chemistry with whoever the hell plays quarterback to hit regular home runs while diversifying beyond the go route and bubble screen?</p>
<p><b>What's the plan at tight end?</b><br>The Huskies have gradually built up a lot of solid depth at tight end. With Hartvigson graduated, none of the four returning scholarship tight ends are obviously limited to blocking alone. However, they still seem to divide into two basic groups. Ajamu and Sample have both bulked up to right around 250 pounds, a very solid weight for a multi-purpose in-line tight end capable of blocking and running routes. The other two, Perkins and Daniels, are closer to 230 and can basically fill the role of a big wide receiver. Will any of these players separate from the pack by the conclusion of spring practices?</p>
<h4>Freshmen Arriving in the Fall</h4>
<table border="0" width="324">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Name</b></td>
<td><b>Position</b></td>
<td><b>Height</b></td>
<td><b>Weight</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Isaiah Renfro</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>6-1</td>
<td>185</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chico McClatcher</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>5-8</td>
<td>180</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Quinten Pounds</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>5-11</td>
<td>166</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Baccellia</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>5-9</td>
<td>165</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Neal</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>219</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/3/29/8305455/washington-spring-preview-2015-wide-receivers-tight-endsJesse Kennemer2015-03-28T12:00:02-07:002015-03-28T12:00:02-07:00Washington Spring Preview 2015: Special Teams
<figure>
<img alt="John Ross will look to leave even more coverage units in his rear view mirror in 2015" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jSDgt2Ak8jev63f6RC_CO2aveA4=/730x387:3454x2203/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45994638/usa-today-8314865.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John Ross will look to leave even more coverage units in his rear view mirror in 2015 | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As we near the end of our 2015 spring preview series, we take a look at an often overlooked aspect of any football team - the special teams specialists. With everyone returning, will this be an area of strength for the Huskies?</p> <h4>2014 Year in Review:</h4>
<p>This was an area in great flux heading into last year: gone was Travis Coons who had filled all three kicking roles for the prior two seasons, and while he wasn't spectacular, he was steady and flashed some impressive athleticism at times to turn plays that should have been disasters into decent punts. The status of Cameron Van Winkle was in question after he had battled back problems in the latter half of 2013, and Korey Durkee had looked shaky in his battles with Coons for the punting job. There was reason to think that incoming frosh Tristan Vizcaino might be in line to win all three kicking jobs.</p>
<p>The return and coverage units had not been a plus in prior years, though there was hope that WR John Ross would become a major weapon as a KR - after many close calls (and call backs due to penalty) he had finally tallied a TD in the bowl game vs. BYU.</p>
<p>As it turned out, this was an area of relative strength. Van Winkle appeared fully recovered and was accurate, hitting on 20 of 24 FG (83.3%) with a long of 51 yards, and was 5-8 (62.5%) from 40+ yards. Durkee developed an effective roll-out technique, and while it didn't always look pretty, his net average of 41.3 was quite good, and he avoided being blocked - a major concern heading into the season. The kickoff coverage units were OK, ranking 51st in return average allowed no scores. Kickoff yardage continued to be somewhat of an issue as the team still lacks someone that can consistently get the ball in the end zone, but the overall net was reasonably good. And while Ross still had far too many kicks called back for penalties, he added 2 more TD returns and his 24.7 average ranked 35th in the country. True frosh Dante Pettis took over the punt return job mid-season and had a very promising campaign, notching the first punt return TD in 11 years and averaging 10.3 yards on his 28 returns to rank 20th in the nation. As a whole, Washington's special teams were ranked 21st in the country by FEI in 2014.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2014/8/2/5961553/uw-fall-camp-preview-special-teams">Here's what we said</a> in our Fall Camp Preview leading into the 2014 season:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It would be generous to call the Huskies' special teams anything but mediocre the past five seasons. While they had a handful of good kickers and punters in that time, the coverage and return games were largely abysmal. The fact that most of the special teams units were filled with starter suggests that the issue wasn't a matter of the talent on the field, but that the Dawgs were poorly coached. Under Chris Petersen, Boise State's special teams were usually solid, if not a strength. Defensive line coach Jeff Choate will also handle the coordination of special teams, and he can add a great deal of value to the team if he can simply get fundamental play from the coverage units in particular.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>After such lackluster special teams play from the Huskies the last several seasons, there's really no place to go but up for the Dawgs in 2014.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>Players Lost/Players Returning:</h4>
<p> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="276">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 5083; width: 104pt;" width="139"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2121; width: 44pt;" width="58"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2889; width: 59pt;" width="79"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 104pt;" height="20" width="139"><b>name</b></td>
<td class="xl65" style="width: 44pt;" width="58"><b>position</b></td>
<td class="xl65" style="width: 59pt;" width="79"><b>year</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl64" style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><i>returning:</i></td>
<td class="xl66"></td>
<td class="xl66"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Korey Durkee</td>
<td class="xl66">P</td>
<td class="xl66">Senior</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Ryan Masel</td>
<td class="xl66">LS</td>
<td class="xl66">Senior</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">John Ross</td>
<td class="xl66">KR</td>
<td class="xl66">Junior</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Cameron Van Winkle</td>
<td class="xl66">K</td>
<td class="xl66">Junior</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Dante Pettis</td>
<td class="xl66">PR</td>
<td class="xl66">Sophomore</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Tristan Vizcaino</td>
<td class="xl66">K/P</td>
<td class="xl66">Sophomore</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Storylines to Watch:</h4>
<p>With every specialist position returning a starting player in 2015, there isn't much intrigue for this group heading into the spring; the main objective will be staying healthy and getting better. But there are a few items to keep an eye on:</p>
<p><i>Kickoff distance:</i></p>
<p>Van Winkle and Vizcaino both arrived with reputations for strong legs, but so far that hasn't translated into kickoffs consistently reaching the end zone. The Huskies notched only 19 touchbacks in 2014, a figure that tied for 82nd in the country. While the sometimes swirling winds at Husky Stadium certainly play a role in the kicking game, opponents had 23 and 2011 was the last time the Dawgs had more touchbacks than their opponents. Van Winkle may have lost a bit of his power with his injury issues, so the job fell mainly to Vizcaino last year as he handled 70 of the 84 kicks.</p>
<p>This isn't a huge issue so long as there's enough hang time on the kicks to allow the coverage units to get into position and limit the returns, and in this regard Vizcaino did a reasonable job. But being able to drive the ball through the end zone against elite returners rather than relying on pooch kicks or other trickery would be a nice option to have. Will we see Vizcaino putting more distance on his kicks this spring?</p>
<p><i>No hankies on the kickoff returns:</i></p>
<p>Someone on the board can probably remind me of the exact number, but Ross had quite a few TDs called back last year due to holding or block in the back penalties. In most cases these occurred well away from the play and had little to no real impact on the play, making them that much more aggravating. Ross is so good that this group just needs to stick to their fundamentals and not be overly aggressive in their blocking attempts. If they can do that, Ross is almost certain to shatter the UW career record for KR TDs (3) that he currently shares with Jim Krieg. Cleaning up the penalties on returns has to be a top priority for the special teams this spring.</p>
<p><i>Can Dante Pettis avoid a sophomore jinx?</i></p>
<p>While the Huskies had some decent punt return averages in recent years from Marvin Hall, Cody Bruns and Kasen Williams, Pettis is the first guy in a long time that showed himself as both a legit home-run threat as well as a guy that can consistently pick up good yardage and someone that won't fair catch 75% of the kicks to him. Can he continue to provide that combination of consistency and big-play potential?</p>
<h4>Freshmen Arriving in the Fall:</h4>
<h4></h4>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="276">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 5083; width: 104pt;" width="139"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2121; width: 44pt;" width="58"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2889; width: 59pt;" width="79"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl65" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 104pt;" height="20" width="139"><b>name</b></td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 44pt;" width="58"><b>position</b></td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 59pt;" width="79"><b>size</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">A.J. Carty</td>
<td class="xl67">LS</td>
<td class="xl67">6'2", 270 lbs</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/3/28/8303101/washington-spring-preview-2015-special-teamsKirk DeGrasse2015-03-27T09:00:09-07:002015-03-27T09:00:09-07:00Washington Spring Preview 2015: Offensive Line
<figure>
<img alt="Dexter Charles heads what is suddenly a rather green OL unit." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VXDtQoO9Ig7ugPtLJAr2_IgJECU=/470x470:3434x2446/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45972158/usa-today-7447520.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dexter Charles heads what is suddenly a rather green OL unit. | Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We continue our spring football preview by turning our attention to the big uglies in the trenches.</p> <h4><span>2014 Year in Review</span></h4>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/1FgPD1m" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Here's what Kirk said in his offensive line preview heading into the 2014 season</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>There is probably no position group on this team that has undergone a more dramatic change in coaching approach than this one. Dan Cozzetto was an old-school hard ass, a guy that rode his players relentlessly and enjoyed mustering out those that he thought couldn't cut it. His is a common approach for OL, as this is a position that demands toughness and a nasty attitude between the lines. Strausser is by all accounts very different in his approach. Rather than yell, he teaches and corrects. Perhaps it's because he wasn't an OL himself as a player, but whatever the reason, you have to admire his results. If he can impart his pass-blocking magic with this group, we could be looking at one of the best OL units in the country.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><span>The Huskies came into 2014 with one of the nation's most experienced offensive lines with 124 total starts, and after paving the way for Bishop Sankey's record-setting 2013 campaign—1,870 yards, 5.72 YPA and 20 TDs—many thought that the line would become the focal point for an offense seeking to replace its star quarterback, running back and tight end, as well as needing to acclimate to the first year of a new head coach's tenure. Unfortunately, it was not to be, as UW's running game regressed (4.35 yards per attempt in 2014, compared to 5.09 YPA in 2013) while the offense's pass protection improved by only the smallest of margins (one sack every 14.29 attempts in 2014, versus one every 13.77 attempts the year prior).</span></p>
<p>There is no clear-cut reason why the offensive line, which returned all five starters and was perceived to be an area of strength, failed to live up to expectations. One could argue that Chris Strausser's effort to reshape his players' bodies (<span>Dexter Charles</span>, <span>Mike Criste</span>, Ben Riva and <span>Colin Tanigawa's</span> listed weights in 2014 were 22, 10, 13 and 17 pounds heavier than in 2013, respectively) left them uncoordinated and uncomfortable in their new skins; another could argue—and lord knows that many of us did—that the staff's decision to move Tanigawa to center, <span>James Atoe</span> to guard and Rimington Trophy watch list candidate Criste to the bench unnecessarily disrupted the group's chemistry; and still others might point to <span>Ben Riva's</span> awful luck with injuries that left him sidelined for virtually the entire season, with a redshirt freshman in <span>Coleman Shelton</span> to substitute for him. Ultimately, all of those developments played a factor in the offensive line's disappointing performance. 2014 was a year in which quite a few dominoes needed to fall just the right way for this unit to perform well, and those circumstances simply did not come to pass.</p>
<h4>Players Gone/Players Returning</h4>
<table border="0" width="324">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>No.</b></td>
<td><b>Name</b></td>
<td><b>Position*</b></td>
<td><b>Year</b></td>
<td><b>Height</b></td>
<td><b>Weight</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Gone</i></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>70</td>
<td>James Atoe</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>--</td>
<td>6-7</td>
<td>381</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>78</td>
<td>Mike Criste</td>
<td>C/G</td>
<td>--</td>
<td>6-6</td>
<td>316</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>72</td>
<td><span>Micah Hatchie</span></td>
<td>T</td>
<td>--</td>
<td>6-5</td>
<td>306</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>59</td>
<td>Ben Riva</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>--</td>
<td>6-7</td>
<td>313</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>64</td>
<td>Colin Tanigawa</td>
<td>C/G</td>
<td>--</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>292</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Returning</i></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>76</td>
<td>Dexter Charles</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Sr</td>
<td>6-5</td>
<td>311</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>65</td>
<td><span>Siosifa Tufunga</span></td>
<td>C/G</td>
<td>Sr</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>321</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>60</td>
<td><span>Shane Brostek</span></td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Jr</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>283</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>52</td>
<td><span>Jake Eldrenkamp</span></td>
<td>T</td>
<td>Jr</td>
<td>6-5</td>
<td>301</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>69</td>
<td><span>Cory Fuavai</span></td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Jr</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>318</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>67</td>
<td><span>Michael Kneip</span></td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Jr</td>
<td>6-5</td>
<td>301</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>55</td>
<td><span>Dane Crane</span></td>
<td>C</td>
<td>So</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>301</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>73</td>
<td><span>Andrew Kirkland</span></td>
<td>G</td>
<td>So</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>315</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>79</td>
<td>Coleman Shelton</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>So</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>281</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>71</td>
<td><span>Matt James</span></td>
<td>T</td>
<td>RFr</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>258</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>58</td>
<td><span>Kaleb McGary</span></td>
<td>T</td>
<td>RFr</td>
<td>6-7</td>
<td>291</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>75</td>
<td><span>Jesse Sosebee</span></td>
<td>T</td>
<td>RFr</td>
<td>6-5</td>
<td>317</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>74</td>
<td><span>John Turner</span></td>
<td>G</td>
<td>RFr</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>273</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>77</td>
<td>Devin Burleson</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>Fr</td>
<td>6-7</td>
<td>260</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<h4><span>Storylines to Watch</span></h4>
<p><b>Out with the Old</b><br>With 80 percent of last year's starters gone, there now exists something of a leadership vacuum among the offensive linemen. Players who were widely praised for their ability to inspire teammates, most especially Tanigawa, are no longer with the program, and it will be up to the underclassmen to seize the initiative. Expect to hear through the grapevine this spring and summer about which linemen have assumed leadership of the unit's offseason workout drills.</p>
<p><b>In with the New</b><br>Having just one returning starter in the form of left guard Dexter Charles means that Strausser and Chris Petersen will undoubtedly spend a significant amount of time and energy experimenting with the OL's starting lineup. Players like Shelton, Eldrenkamp and Crane will likely get early looks on the first team, but their possession of starting spots is by no means guaranteed. Depending on how much progress he has made since switching positions in the bowl practices, McGary is an intriguing dark horse here: He has all of the physical tools needed to be a top-tier Pac-12 offensive lineman; now, he just needs to show that he can put the pieces together and consistently perform at a high level.</p>
<p><b>Protecting the Young Guns<br></b>Cyler Miles' surprising leave of absences makes him a seemingly non-factor for the football team in 2015, meaning that there is a not-insignificant chance that UW's starting quarterback will be either redshirt freshman <span>K.J. Carta-Samuels</span> or true freshman Jake Browning. Even if both quarterbacks look like the second coming of Marques Tuiasosopo during the months between now and fall camp, it is an inarguable fact that neither of them has taken a snap for a squad playing at the level of a Pac-12 football team. That is not an easy transition to make, and a hard task such as that one becomes infinitely more difficult when the QB realizes that every time he drops back, he will face pass-rushing defensive ends and blitzing linebackers and cornerbacks if the offensive line is unable to provide him with adequate protection. Strausser has much to accomplish this spring and summer, and putting together effective pass protections schemes needs to be at or near the top of that list.</p>
<h4>Freshmen Arriving in the Fall</h4>
<table border="0" width="324">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Name</b></td>
<td><b>Position*</b></td>
<td><b>Height</b></td>
<td><b>Weight</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trey Adams</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>6-8</td>
<td>283</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jared Hilbers</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>6-6</td>
<td>279</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Henry Roberts</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>6-6</td>
<td>280</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><br>*UW lists all linemen as "OL," so these positions are drawn primarily from last year's depth charts, my memory and/or the predictions of fellow writers. If I've gotten any of them woefully wrong (and I'm sure I have), please leave a comment and I'll be sure to update the tables.</p>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/3/27/8220593/washington-spring-preview-2015-offensive-lineRyan Priest2015-03-26T09:00:03-07:002015-03-26T09:00:03-07:00Washington Spring Preview 2015: Quarterback
<figure>
<img alt="Keith Price...Cyler Miles...Who joins this picture as the third starter in three years at the UW?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dQS-l3nx4OC453YNFKFOIlGmsxk=/895x210:5055x2983/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45922860/usa-today-6676926.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Keith Price...Cyler Miles...Who joins this picture as the third starter in three years at the UW? | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A tumultuous 2014 season transitions to an even more tumultuous 2015 at the quarterback position for the Washington Huskies. It's a competition that will very likely wage well into next fall.</p> <p><b>2014 in Review</b></p>
<p>Regardless of who was behind center in 2014 - and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.uwdawgpound.com/">Huskies</a> ended up starting three different quarterbacks throughout the year - what the Dawgs got from their trigger man wasn't good enough for the offense to be anything other than mediocre for the season. The quarterback play was largely a function of the opposition's defense. Against bad teams, it was largely pretty good. But against the better teams in the conference, it was decidedly lacking. In an offense that was either young, unspectacular, or both at each and every position group, the player with the single greatest ability to impact the play of the team - the QB - was unable to elevate the sum of the parts for the Husky offense.</p>
<p>After serving an offseason suspension that also had him missing the first game at Hawaii, <span>Cyler Miles</span> was the clear choice of the coaching staff for all of 2014. He had a fairly dramatic polarizing effect on the fan base, as one camp would point to his statistical production (2,397 yards, 66.6% complete, 7.29 yards per attempt, 17 TD's, 4 INT's) that appear at first blush to be pretty solid in a very conservative offense, while others would point to his physical limitations that restricted the development of the passing game and offense in general, and a general lack of playmaking ability.</p>
<p>Neither <span>Jeff Lindquist</span> nor <span>Troy Williams</span> showed much to inspire confidence that either would be a better long-term answer than Miles. After a relatively decent first half in the opener against Hawaii, Lindquist was unsettled and inaccurate the entire second half. In a midseason game at home against Arizona State played in some of the worst weather conditions ever at Husky stadium, Troy Williams struggled throwing the ball in any fashion, and didn't show any sort of command of the offense. In both cases, Miles was immediately inserted back into the lineup. Whatever the UW coaching staff used as their criteria for determining the QB that could best lead the team to victory, it was clear that their choice was Cyler Miles.</p>
<p>Regardless of anyone's opinion of the play on the field in 2014, the last memory of the season is coach Chris Petersen declaring the quarterback position an open competition heading in to 2015 - at his post-game press conference following the UW's bowl loss to Oklahoma State, before the ink was even dry on 2014. As Petersen said in so many words, the quarterback play has to get better, regardless of who holds the job.</p>
<p>Here's what we said <a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2014/7/26/5926835/fall-camp-preview-quarterbacks" target="_blank">heading in to fall camp last year</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>All of these guys bring significant physical skills to the table, and one thing we should be able to say with confidence is that the QB will be a legitimate running threat in 2014, something that really hasn't been the case since Locker graduated. All are former 4-star prospects, and while replacing a 3-year starter at QB is never easy, the soft four-game out of conference slate to start the 2014 season provides a nice cushion to break in a new starter.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Players Lost, Players Returning</b></p>
<p>Almost immediately after the season ended, redshirt freshman Troy Williams announced his decision to transfer from Washington. While he has tremendous physical skills, his propensity to turn the ball over and his inability to show great command of the offense prevented him from seizing on the huge opportunity he had last spring to win the job for 2014. While it's unfair to read too much into his one start due to the rain and 60+ mile per hour winds in his lone start against ASU, he didn't appear to have the grasp of <span>Jonathan Smith's</span> offense that night that one would hope to see, and didn't see the field again.</p>
<p>In a surprising move, the University of Washington announced that Miles would miss spring practices for personal reasons not related to any sort of discipline issues. While the door appears to be open for Miles to return at some point, rampant speculation is that he won't in 2015, and it's difficult to see him winning what's determined an open competition right now with his missing a second consecutive spring.</p>
<p>Redshirt junior Jeff Lindquist returns, and is probably the first man up this spring, as he's the only guy on the roster that's ever played a collegiate football game. Lindquist has a very strong arm and is an adept runner, but he hasn't really been able to make things "click" as a quarterback yet in his time here. Like Williams, Lindquist failed to seize the opportunity to move forward last spring in Miles' absence. Also like Williams, the situation in his lone start might not be a totally accurate indication of his abilities as a quarterback (first game with an entirely new coaching staff). After that game, Lindquist made several appearances in 2014 in limited duty, either to run what amounted to a wildcat package, or to throw deep passes. He had no completions in his four attempts after the Hawaii game, but threw a great ball that would've been a long TD against WSU in the Apple Cup.</p>
<p>Freshman KJ Carta-Samuels redshirted the 2014 season. Coming from a very run-centric offense in high school, he was the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year for the Huskies. There have been glowing reports - that should be taken with a grain of salt - about his development last year. Carta-Samuels, like Lindquist, possesses a linebacker's build and was a good runner in high school. While he has zero experience, he has a great opportunity to rise to the forefront of the QB competition over the next few weeks.</p>
<p>Although technically not a "returning" player, true freshman phenom Jake Browning is enrolled at the University of Washington and will participate in spring practices. In an offense that threw the ball 61% of the time, Browning established a national prep record with 229 career TD passes - including 91 (!) as a senior - and 16,775 yards. That's a mere 202 TD's and around 14,500 yards more than I had in only slightly less illustrious high school career, for the sake of comparison. Not particularly big (6' 1", 202 lbs) or blessed with great arm strength, Browning is a very intelligent quarterback with an accurate arm. Comparisons to <span>Kellen Moore</span> are rampant, and not just because Chris Petersen will be his coach. It's possible that he could win the starting job, but it seems best both for him and the team if he's afforded a redshirt season to increase his size and strength.</p>
<p><b>Storylines to Watch</b></p>
<p>The "well, duh" answer here is everything about this competition. For the second consecutive year, the Huskies are entering spring practices with the quarterback position in only semi-controlled chaos. The most visible, glamorous, critiqued, hashed and rehashed, and probably important position on the Husky offense is once again up for grabs, and it's almost impossible to really handicap the race. To be perfectly clear, the loss of Miles is big. The best thing for this team was for him to be here, and simply be beaten out because someone else was better. The loss of competition, when the loss is the returning starter, isn't a good thing, no matter your opinion of Miles' play last year.</p>
<p><i>Will the second consecutive season with the same offense and QB coach slow the game down for Jeff Lindquist?</i> While Lindquist has the physical tools that any coach would want at the QB position, he's reportedly struggled with the speed of the game when things get real. He's also struggled with his accuracy at times. He's eerily similar to <span>Jake Locker</span>. But this is the first time he's had the benefit of the same offense with the same coaches for consecutive seasons. If he's able to capitalize on this as the only upperclassman on the roster, he has the chance to do yeoman's work at the QB position, and maybe more.</p>
<p><i>Is KJ Catra-Samuels the real deal?</i> Following Petersen's announcement of an open quarterback competition and Williams' intent to transfer, Carta-Samuels enjoyed an ascent to "favorite player on the team" - the presumed backup QB - without ever throwing a pass or even seeing the field in a scant few months. Even though he was an Elite Eleven participant, Carta-Samuels only threw around 15 passes a game in high school, and only completed around 55% of those. From the tape I've seen (which is all old, mind you), he's a bit of a bull in a china shop as a passer as well. Tremendous arm strength, but a lot of wasted energy and effort. Every muscle in his body is tensed, and it's a very mechanical process. Kind of like Jake Locker. And Jeff Lindquist. It's very possible that he was the guy - and not Troy Williams, or Jeff Lindquist, or Cyler Miles - that took the big step forward under this new staff. But the step required is really, really big.</p>
<p><i>Is Jake Browning a system guy? </i>Browning played in an offense designed to make a good QB look great in a box score. How does that translate to big-time college football?</p>
<p><i>If he's not, would Chris Petersen and Jonathan Smith actually start a true freshman at QB? </i>The best case scenario for the UW doesn't have Browning starting at Boise State next September. The best case is that Browning pushes the competition, but is allowed to redshirt. But if he steps in this spring and wins the job walking away, are Petersen and Smith going to run out a true freshman behind a rebuilding offensive line in the first game next season? It's possible - maybe even probable - that Browning was the best passer on the roster the day he enrolled at the UW. But it's quite a chasm between having talent at Folsom High School and game planning for Oregon or USC. Even if he's the best, is it best for him to play right away?</p>
<p><i>Who's the best pooch punter out of this group? </i>As we all know, the quick kick is going to break all ties in this quarterba.......Ahhhh, I'm just kidding.</p>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/3/26/8235885/washington-spring-preview-2015-quarterbacks-jake-browning-jeff-lindquist-carta-samuels-cyler-milesBrad Johnson UW2015-03-25T09:00:02-07:002015-03-25T09:00:02-07:00UW Spring Previews: Defensive Line
<figure>
<img alt="Meet Joe Mathis." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RijhbFZvHlo9YWLBRVnL9rjA2vc=/854x195:3254x1795/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45872364/usa-today-8223086.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Meet Joe Mathis. | Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Much of the spring practices will be spent trying to find starters and define a new pecking order along the Huskies new-look defensive line. </p> <p>Our spring preview series continues with a look at what was unquestionably the best unit on Chris Petersen's team in 2014. Whether or not it can be that again is up for debate. The Defensive Line is going through a major overhaul in 2015 and will highlight a number of new players playing significant roles. Spring practices will be our first look at how those roles may play out.</p>
<h4>2014 Year in Review:</h4>
<p>We knew going into the season that this Defensive Line had the potential to be the best unit that UW would put on the field. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2014/7/29/5947421/uw-fall-camp-preview">Here is what our own Jesse Kennemer said in our preview piece before last season's fall practices</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Two All-Conference stars, a ton of talented, unproven youth, and a few familiar veterans. This is the most talented defensive line that Washington has fielded in years. No one of tremendous importance is lost from last year's group, while at least one or two of the sophomores is likely to pop. If Shelton and Kikaha can both remain healthy, this could very well be the best position group on the entire team.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Yup. He nailed it. And, trust me, we don't like to encourage Jesse around here.</p>
<p>It is not hyperbole to claim the performance of the 2014 Defensive Line as the best seen at UW since 1991, if not in the history of the program. Consider these accomplishments:</p>
<blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;">
<p>- <span>Danny Shelton</span>: Academic First Team and AP First Team All-American - <i>first time in program history</i></p>
<p>- <span>Hau'oli Kikaha</span>: led nation with 19 sacks and 131 sack yards</p>
<p>- Shelton & Kikaha: Consensus All-Americans - <i>19th and 20th in program history</i></p>
<p>- Kikaha: Unanimous All-American - <i>the 5th time in program history</i></p>
<p>- Shelton's 93 tackles led all interior linemen across the nation - <i>second on team to MLB John Timu</i></p>
<p>- UW's 3.71 sacks per game (52 sacks) were 2nd in nation</p>
<p>- <span>Andrew Hudson</span>: 7th in the nation with 12.5 sacks</p>
<p>- Kikaha & Hudson: 31.5 sacks most of any DE tandem in all of CFB - <i>Mizzou's Golden and Ray 2nd with 23 sacks</i></p>
<p>- UW's Rush Def was 2nd in Pac and 14th in CFB with just 3.28 yds per carry - <i>a yard better than best program performance in the past decade</i></p>
<p>- Hudson: winner of post-season <i>Iron Husky</i> award and All Pac 12 Honorable Mention</p>
</blockquote>
<p>That's a whole lot of accomplishment for one group. Remarkable accomplishment, to be perfectly honest. And yet, when you assess the season as a whole, the results as they translated on the field felt a little less impressive. For every standout performance like Hawaii, Oregon State and the Apple Cup there was a head-scratcher like Oregon, Oklahoma State and Eastern Washington. <i>Eastern friggin' Washington</i>.</p>
<p>Of course, there are two sides to the coin that was the season for the Washington Defensive Line. Defensive Coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski leaned heavily on the DL to generate its own pass rush and to stand stoutly against the run so that he could protect his young secondary with extra help. That strategy clearly paved the way for the talent on the DL to shine through. However, it also took a lot of help away from those same D-Linemen. Also consider the fact that the DL had little in terms of experienced depth in the second rotation and it isn't hard to see why the end result of the season was an 8-6 campaign in spite of the tremendous accomplishments of that starting front four.</p>
<p>Despite the "average" outcome to the season, history will look favorably on the effort put forth by a pretty special group of players. Danny Shelton overcame personal tragedy and really leveraged the coaching transition to catapult himself into a top 10 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a> pick. Hau'oli Kikaha overcame two ACL injuries to become the most accomplished sack man in all of college football and UW's all-time leader in that category. Andrew Hudson had to endure the "suddenly senior" tactic of Steve Sarkisian at the end of last year and earn his way back on to the team only to become the heart of the defense and a top 10 performer, <i>in the nation, </i>in sacks. Evan Hudson endured a mid-career position switch from TE to become one of the toughest and grittiest players we've seen occupy the interior line in some time. Every one of those guys had a great story and each will go down as great Dawgs.</p>
<h4>Players Lost/Players Returning:</h4>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="324">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 4534; width: 93pt;" width="124"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1060; width: 22pt;" width="29"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 6253; width: 128pt;" width="171"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt; width: 93pt;" class="xl64" height="20" width="124"><b>name</b></td>
<td style="width: 22pt;" class="xl64" width="29"><b>position</b></td>
<td style="width: 128pt;" class="xl64" width="171"><b>year</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" class="xl63" height="20"><i>lost:</i></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Danny Shelton<span> </span>
</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>graduated</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Hau'oli Kikaha</td>
<td>DE/LB</td>
<td>graduated</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" class="xl63" height="20">Evan Hudson<span> </span>
</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>graduated</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Andrew Hudson<span> </span>
</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>graduated</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Drew Schultz</span></td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>graduated</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><i>returning: </i></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<span>Taniela Tupou</span><span> </span>
</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>RS-Senior</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Jarret Finau</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>RS-Senior</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Joe Mathis</span></td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>Junior</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Damion Turpin</span></td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>RS-Junior</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Will Dissly</span></td>
<td>DE/DT</td>
<td>Sophomore</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Elijah Qualls</span></td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>RS-Sophomore</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Vita Vea</span></td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>RS-Freshman</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Greg Gaines</span></td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>RS-Freshman</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Jaylen Johnson</span></td>
<td>DE/LB</td>
<td>RS-Freshman</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Shane Bowman</span></td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>RS-Freshman</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Storylines to Watch:</h4>
<p>The overarching storyline for this spring is how Kwiatkowski, a former defensive linemen himself, and DL coach Jeff Choate go about the business of rebuilding both their positional depth and their player rotation following the graduation of the four starting seniors. Of some interest, although likely to be answered over the course of the spring, is whether or not UW decides to help cover up some of the inexperience on the defensive front by becoming both more aggressive and more exotic with their blitzing game.</p>
<p>Besides these two unit storylines, we have a number of interesting individual questions to answer.</p>
<p><i>Interior Line:</i></p>
<p><i>Qualls </i>is the most interesting character in the entire unit not only because of his already-demonstrated leadership potential but also because of his versatility. He clearly has the physique of NT, but his astounding athleticism will provide the Huskies with some flexibility in terms of personnel packages. Whether or not Qualls gets any play at <span>Evan Hudson's</span> old 3T will be an interesting question in camp. <i></i></p>
<p><i>Vea and Gaines </i>are both beasts despite their age. Ideally, you'd like to be able to break in players like these as rotational depth where they can be afforded time to both condition their bodies and learn the speed of the game. Unfortunately, UW can't wait for these boys to grow out of their diapers. The Huskies need to see both Vea and Gaines play at a Pac 12 level starting now and to have one of them as a starting capable NT.</p>
<p><i>Tupou, </i>one of the two seniors in this unit, will be watched closely to see if he can claim a starting role. He played extensively in 2014 as the backup to Evan Hudson. If he can emerge this spring and start alongside Qualls, that would be an ideal scenario for the Huskies. The question is whether or not Tupou can be that guy.</p>
<p><i>Defensive Ends:</i></p>
<p>We already know that <i>Mathis </i>is a high-motor, high impact kind of DE who is already penciled in as <span>Andrew Hudson's</span> replacement. Once thought of as a guy who might fall through the cracks with the coaching change, Mathis is now firmly entrenched as a featured player in the 2015 rotation and the big question is what he can bring to the table as a pass rusher with more snaps. He'll definitely be one of the most scrutinized players this spring.</p>
<p><i>Dissly </i>is another name that Husky fans will be looking out for coming out of the beat reports this spring. Dissly earned several snaps a year ago as a true freshman and impressed everybody with his effort and his physicality. What his role will be and whether or not he has the ability to play in multiple spots on the line will be questions that may get answers soon.</p>
<p><i>Finau </i>and <i>Turpin </i>are both upperclassmen who run the risk of getting passed over by younger players if they don't emerge in camp. Finau played in 8 games a season ago while Turpin was used in only 5 (recording no stats). Both guys are of similar dimensions and both have the physical tools to warrant rotational roles. Whether or not they can translate that potential into meaningful roles remains to be seen.</p>
<p>If Finau and/or Turpin fade, then it will most likely be due to the emergence of two young players in <i>Bowman </i>and <i>J. Johnson. </i>Bowman is a long and lean prospect out of Bellevue that a lot of local fans are interested in seeing. Johnson was Petersen's first "flipped" commit when he came over from BSU and is a hybrid prospect who could play DE, BUCK or even MLB. While neither projects as a pure pass rusher type of player, both are considered strong and have potential as edge-setters for Choate's line.</p>
<h4>Freshmen Arriving in the Fall:</h4>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="245">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 3949; width: 81pt;" width="108"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1865; width: 38pt;" width="51"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 3145; width: 65pt;" width="86"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Benning Potoa'e</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>6'4", 265 lbs</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Bryce Sterk</span></td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>6'5", 230 lbs</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Ricky McCoy</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>6'4", 275 lbs</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Jason Scrempos</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>6'6", 250 lbs</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4>Final Thoughts Going Into Spring</h4>
<p>Change is hard. Replacing Seniors his hard. Husky fans are facing a complete overhaul of one of the most accomplished defensive lines in the history of the program and what was clearly the best unit on an average team a year ago. Needless to say, we'll all be looking for signs of life coming from the next generation of defensive bigs this spring. And don't think that fans are the only ones concerned. In a recent interview with SI.com, Petersen himself <a href="http://www.si.com/college-football/2015/03/04/chris-petersen-washington-huskies-spring-practice" target="_blank">signaled some concern </a>noting that he has more confidence in the OLine than the DLine as of now.</p>
<p>I don't expect much to be revealed in terms of scheme or strategy throughout spring practice. In fact, I half expect that the current DLinemen will be handled with kid gloves as the staff tries to preserve the health of this young and not deep unit going into the fall. Still, we should expect to see a pecking order emerge and certain roles get defined. We'll also very likely get some entertaining quotes from Qualls and Choate.</p>
<p>That, alone, will be worth the price of admission.</p>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/3/25/8196041/washington-football-spring-practices-preview-defensive-line-2015-vita-vea-elijah-qualls-joe-mathisChris Landon2015-03-22T14:00:01-07:002015-03-22T14:00:01-07:00Washington Spring Preview 2015: Linebackers
<figure>
<img alt="Travis Feeney is the lone returning starting LB" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hWHvLer621p83uLlH68_XAgpQdA=/0x0:4195x2797/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45955180/usa-today-8178053.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Travis Feeney is the lone returning starting LB | Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We continue our 2015 spring position previews with the linebackers, where Shaq Thompson and John Timu's departures loom large.</p> <h4>2014 Year in Review</h4>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/1Hc4KWS" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Here's what I said in my linebacker preview heading into the 2014 season</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Washington's defense this year is considered to be one of the deepest and most talented units that it has fielded since the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a>-winning squad of the 2000 season, and the skill of the players at the linebacker position is a big reason why that is the case. All three projected starters come into 2014 with a great deal of starting experience (11, 32 and 25 starts for Feeney, Timu and Thompson, respectively), and what the backups lack in experience, they may very well make up for in size and talent. The unit's biggest concern, then, has to be injury. If any of the redshirt freshmen backups are forced into action prematurely, Washington's experience advantage goes out the window. Feeney is especially someone to be concerned about in this manner, as he sat out spring practices following offseason shoulder surgery. We already know that this unit's starters can play well together; whether or not they can do so from Aug. 30 through the bowl game will likely dictate whether Washington has a good defense, or an elite one.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>As I (and anyone else with a set of working eyeballs) predicted, Washington's linebacker group was one of the best in the conference, and perhaps the nation. Thanks to a third-year captain in <span>John Timu</span>, a pass-rushing monster in BUCK linebacker Hau'oli Kikaha, and a prototypical all-everything football player in <span>Shaq Thompson</span>, Washington rode the sheer level of its players' talents to victory time and time again. Thompson himself was responsible for four defensive scores in the form of one pick-six and three fumble returns for touchdowns; Timu added a pair of interceptions returned for touchdowns himself; and <span>Travis Feeney</span> used the length of his arms to secure <a href="http://bit.ly/1xnvrIz">a pick-six of his own</a> against Colorado.</p>
<p>When they weren't scoring, UW's linebackers were doing a hell of a job of applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks. Kikaha finished the season with the most sacks in the country and as the program's all-time career leader in sacks, and Feeney, Thompson and <span>Cory Littleton</span> each got in on the action by adding a sack of their own. Finally, Washington's LBs were responsible for 10 of the team's 18 forced fumbles. In other words, this was a supremely talented group whose contributions will be virtually impossible to replicate in 2015.</p>
<h4>Players Lost/Players Returning</h4>
<table border="0" width="324">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>No.</b></td>
<td><b>Name</b></td>
<td><b>Position</b></td>
<td><b>Year</b></td>
<td><b>Height</b></td>
<td><b>Weight</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Gone</i></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>John Timu</td>
<td>ILB</td>
<td>Sr</td>
<td>6-1</td>
<td>246</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Hau'oli Kikaha</td>
<td>BUCK</td>
<td>Sr</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>246</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Shaq Thompson</td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td>Jr</td>
<td>6-1</td>
<td>228</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Returning</i></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td>Travis Feeney</td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td>Sr</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>218</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>47</td>
<td><span>Scott Lawyer</span></td>
<td>ILB</td>
<td>Sr</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>225</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>42</td>
<td>Cory Littleton</td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td>Sr</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>229</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28</td>
<td><span>Psalm Wooching</span></td>
<td>BUCK</td>
<td>Jr</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>225</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td><span>Keishawn Bierria</span></td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td>So</td>
<td>6-1</td>
<td>221</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>34</td>
<td><span>Sean Constantine</span></td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td>So</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>224</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td><span>Connor O'Brien</span></td>
<td>ILB</td>
<td>So</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>238</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>36</td>
<td><span>Azeem Victor</span></td>
<td>ILB</td>
<td>So</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>244</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td><span>Drew Lewis</span></td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td>RFr</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>189</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>54</td>
<td><span>Matt Preston</span></td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td>RFr</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>199</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>53</td>
<td><span>Jake Wambaugh</span></td>
<td>ILB</td>
<td>RFr</td>
<td>6-1</td>
<td>206</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<h4>Storylines to Watch</h4>
<p><b>Are the Big Bruisers up to the Task?</b><br>As you've probably heard, Travis Feeney is the only returning starter among the defensive front-seven, making it critical for the coaching staff to establish a solid two-deep of linebackers and defensive lineman this spring. Especially at middle linebacker, a player like Victor who came into school with a high recruiting profile has the chance to grab hold of the starting role for the next three seasons. UW's linebacker roster is long on height but short on heavy hitters, making it all the more imperative for a thumper like Victor to prove he's ready for what will be asked of him.</p>
<p><b>Who's Gonna Get BUCK Nasty?</b><br>After four years of playing defensive end for UW, many observers were surprised to notice <span>Hau'oli Kikaha's</span> move from that position to that of the BUCK linebacker role in the fall. Fortunately for those skeptical of the switch, Kikaha turned in one of the best seasons ever for a UW defensive player, tallying a nationwide-best 19.0 sacks and second-best 25.0 tackles for loss. His primary backups were <span>Jarett Finau</span> and Psalm Wooching; will either of them seize Kikaha's vacated role, or will that honor go to another young player?</p>
<p><b>Life After the Shaq Attack</b><br>Let's face it: You don't lose a player like Shaq Thompson to the <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a> without missing a beat. Therefore, the question of how much his absence is noted is one of severity: Will Husky fans lament that Shaq's departure means that his replacement only scores two defensive touchdowns in 2015 instead of four, or does it mean that his position will become a revolving door for players who can only reach a fraction of the success he did? Only time will tell, but look to players like Keishawn Bierria, Sean Constantine and Cory Littleton to fill in the gaps and try to keep UW fans from missing Shaq more than they already will.</p>
<h4>Freshmen Arriving in the Fall</h4>
<table border="0" width="324">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Name</b></td>
<td><b>Position</b></td>
<td><b>Height</b></td>
<td><b>Weight</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tevis Bartlett</td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>218</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DJ Beavers</td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td>6-0</td>
<td>202</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ben Burr-Kirven</td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td>6-1</td>
<td>202</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kyler Manu</td>
<td>ILB</td>
<td>6-1</td>
<td>224</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jusstis Warren</td>
<td>ILB</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>226</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/3/22/8220635/washington-spring-preview-2015-linebackersRyan Priest2015-03-21T09:00:02-07:002015-03-21T09:00:02-07:00Washington Spring Previews 2015: Running Backs
<figure>
<img alt="Is this the future of the Husky running game?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/raUGkHcLgv7v6S-U1gBtKhc0w1E=/0x0:3216x2144/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45922836/usa-today-8308912.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Is this the future of the Husky running game? | Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The by-committee approach was hit-and-miss for the Huskies in 2014. Is it more of the same in 2015, or does someone emerge as the feature back for the Dawgs?</p> <p><b>2014 Year in Review</b></p>
<p>Even with the departure of one of the best backs in Washington Husky history in <span>Bishop Sankey</span> to the NFL, things didn't necessarily appear bleak on Montlake for the running game in 2014. Returning was a veteran in <span>Jesse Callier</span> as well as an explosive but unproven talent in <span>Dwayne Washington</span>, and a year-healthier Deont'ae Cooper. Add to that redshirt freshman Lavon Coleman and one of the most experienced offensive lines in the country, and it looked like the Huskies were going to be able to rely on a sound ground game to break in a new quarterback, one that was likely to be a serious running threat in his own right.</p>
<p>But things never really materialized that way. Callier was lost to a season-ending injury in September. Washington and Coleman were mostly sporadic in their effectiveness. Cooper never seemed to have the full faith of the coaching staff, and not for good reason. What appeared to be a nice novelty in <span>Shaq Thompson</span> at running back was the only viable rushing attack in the middle part of the year due to injuries to Washington and Coleman, possibly to the detriment of the defense. And an offensive line that had looked the part at least in the running attack seemingly took a step back - injuries were a key factor, and possibly due to being masked by the greatness of Sankey, and possibly due to the new coaching staff's favor of bulk over athleticism.</p>
<p>There were bright spots along the way, to be sure. Cooper emerged as the most well-rounded back on the roster in terms of running, blocking and pass receiving. Washington finished the season on a high note, with four 50+ yard TD runs in the final four games of the season. And Thompson parlayed his big-play ability on offense with his big-play ability on defense to win the Paul Hornung Award and garner 1st team All-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/american">American</a> honors as an all-around player. Even though it's impossible to separate the production of this unit from the abilities of the offensive line, as a whole, I'd wager most Husky fans weren't as pleased with the rushing attack from the primary ball carriers as they'd expected to be.</p>
<p>Here's what we said <a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2014/7/28/5938589/uw-fall-camp-preview-running-backs" target="_blank">heading into fall camp of 2014:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>Dwayne Washington figures to have the inside track to become the first-string tailback after having earned the second-string role in 2013, but if Callier can return to his pre-ACL form, he'll certainly be a threat as well. (It's easy to forget that Sark referred to Callier and Sankey as 1A and 1B prior to the San Diego State game in 2012, before Sankey took advantage of Callier's injury by grabbing the starting role and never looking back.) Deontae Cooper made incredible strides last year in recovering from the three (!) ACL tears that kept him out of action until his junior year, and against Oregon State, he appeared to show off the impressive speed that had Husky fans drooling over his potential in 2010. His past health concerns will probably keep him from carrying the ball more than six or eight times per game, but he has the potential to be a dangerous change of pace if he's running on fresh legs in the third and fourth quarter. As a redshirt freshman, <span>Lavon Coleman</span> is the team's running back with the greatest chance to go from relative unknown to household name, as he boasts an NFL-ready frame (6-0, 215 lbs.) and played so well on the practice squad last year that he nearly convinced Sark to burn his redshirt, despite Sankey's complete command of the Husky ground game.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Players Lost, Players Returning</b></p>
<p>Twice Jesse Callier was on the cusp of assuming a larger role in the UW offense, and twice he was lost early in the season to injury; in 2012 in the first game of the season and then in 2014 as senior midway through game three. Following his most productive season as a true freshman in 2010 as the change-of-pace back to <span>Chris Polk</span>, Callier's breaks were mostly of the hard luck variety. His leadership in the backfield will be missed.</p>
<p>While never a "real" full-time running back at Washington, Shaq Thompson finished the 2014 season as the team's third-leading rusher with 456 yards and a gaudy 7.5 yards per carry. With injuries to both Coleman and Washington mid season, Thompson played almost exclusively at running back in the losses to ASU and UCLA, and the win over Colorado. While his impact as a full-time defender would've been negligible against the Buffs, he was missed defensively against the Sun Devils and Bruins. It's quite likely that Thompson would've been the best running back on the roster if he would've played there full-time.</p>
<p>Sophomore Lavon Coleman returns after being the primary running back in the early part of 2014. But following a 100-yard performance against Eastern Washington, his production diminished some until he was lost for 3 games to injury. By the time he was healthy, Washington was on his late-season roll, and Coleman was the solid number two. Coleman lacks top-end speed and isn't much of a receiving threat, but he's still a back with high upside for the Huskies.</p>
<p>Our own Howling Husky gave a great description of Dwayne Washington: "He has the size DB’s fear, the speed LB’s hate, but the vision that DL’s love." Big, fast, and strong, Washington is a tremendous home-run threat if he gets past the line of scrimmage. But he's as inclined to run himself into a bad play as he is into a good one. Even though he was recruited as a receiver, Washington's hands are somewhat suspect. But if he's able to improve his patience at the line of scrimmage and his vision even a modicum, he has the potential to be a very, very productive back. Of the thousand-yard variety.</p>
<p>I don't know if <span>Deontae Cooper's</span> lack of touches were based on ability or a new coaching staff's desire to handle a player who's value was more symbolic than real with kid gloves, but by the mid point of the season, Cooper had established himself as the most well-rounded back on the roster. Good runner, good receiver, and the most knowledgeable and capable blocker of the backs the Huskies could put on the field. He's now 2 1/2 years removed from his most recent of three ACL tears, and he ran a very fast 4.49 in the forty at the recent Husky Spring Combine. He may never get back all of the change-of-pace ability he showed as a true freshman, but he's shown that he's more than ready to be a factor in the running game.</p>
<p><span>Jomon Dotson</span> redshirted in 2014, and is still slightly built at 5' 10" and 164 pounds. However, he showed explosive athleticism at the Husky Combine, with top three marks in the 40, vertical jump, and standing broad jump. It remains to be seen if he can physically handle the rigors of Pac 12 play at running back, but if he can't, it seems to behoove the coaching staff to find a way to use a guy like that.....</p>
<p><b>Story Lines to Watch</b></p>
<p><i>Can Dwayne Washington show a little more patience and vision? </i>Vision as a running back is mostly one of those natural gifts, sort of like speed. Washington was blessed with one, and lacks the other. But part of his lack of vision is his lack of patience - he can get to a hole before his blockers can. If he can slow himself down just a little, it's going to allow running plays to set up a little better for him. And he'll be able to maximize his vision - to better see the holes the way his coaches are telling him to see them. If that happens, the sky is the limit for this still-inexperienced running back.</p>
<p><i>Can Lavon Coleman compensate for his lack of top-end speed? </i>Coleman has very good size and is a much more natural running back than is Washington. He isn't particularly fast for a running back, and behind a charitably questionable offensive line, that might relegate him to being a back that can get what's there but not much more. With an offense that's in need of play makers, that might not be enough. Coleman might have to find other ways to break his way on to the field - notably as a blocker and receiver. If he can do those things better than the other guys on the roster, he could end up with the lion's share of the carries.</p>
<p><i>Is Deontae Cooper ready to be The Man? </i>Cooper showed he had the speed a few weeks ago. He showed he had the all-around ability last season. There's no shame in a guy who's had the injury history he's had never regaining the ability to change direction and speed he had prior to that first injury - never mind the second or the third. But if he's recovering that shiftiness and ability to change gears - the last stuff to come around following knee surgery - the same way he's rediscovered his speed, then the Huskies might find their running back in a guy that's halfway through his PhD.</p>
<p><i>Is the answer still a few months away? </i>It's likely that the most complete back on the roster is going to be a true freshman that won't be here until fall camp starts. It's certainly not ideal to rely on that guy as your bell cow in your running game, but that just might be the reality when....</p>
<p><b>Freshmen Arriving in the Fall</b></p>
<p>...Myles Gaskin arrives. Built along the same dimensions as Bishop Sankey, Gaskin is a back that's more quick than fast. He's a strong runner with good vision and the ability to cut back. At least against high school competition. With an offensive line that's better than it's competition. The best thing in my blue sky world is for Gaskin to redshirt, or see the field in limited action, with limited responsibilities. But with the state of the Husky offense being what it is, it's not impossible that Gaskin has a bigger role than that. Maybe much bigger.</p>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/3/21/8237801/washington-spring-previews-2015-running-backBrad Johnson UW2015-03-20T14:00:03-07:002015-03-20T14:00:03-07:00Washington Spring Preview 2015: Defensive Backs
<figure>
<img alt="S Budda Baker" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zG4iadS8m9L774nCFt7i_a_Fa6A=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45800936/usa-today-8308863.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>S Budda Baker | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We kick off our spring practices preview series with a look at the defensive backs. This was an extremely young and inexperienced crew heading into last year, and now they are the veterans of the defense - can they be the cornerstones of the 2015 defense?</p> <p>Welcome to the first of our 2015 Spring Previews - over the next two weeks we'll be taking a look at each of the position groups as the team heads into their second spring practice session under head coach Chris Petersen. Today we start off with the defensive backs:</p>
<h4>2014 Year in Review:</h4>
<p>With the graduation of several key players including <span>Sean Parker</span>, <span>Will Shamburger</span>, Greg Ducre and <span>Tre Watson</span> this was a group sorely lacking in experience heading into the year. <span>Marcus Peters</span> was the lone returning player with significant starting experience; beyond that it was question marks all around with true sophomores <span>Trevor Walker</span> and <span>Kevin King</span> providing the only other returning starts and a huge influx of new - but unproven - talent in the form of seven true freshman signees. Things got tough enough in the secondary during the season that <span>John Ross</span> - a potential star candidate at WR - was moved over to defense to play corner.</p>
<p>The good news was the front seven was deep, talented and experienced and provided cushion for this young secondary to grow and develop. Despite some significant bumps along the way - the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2014/9/13/6144983/freshman-cb-jermaine-kelly-out-for-the-year">season-ending injury</a> to promising RS-Fr CB <span>Jermaine Kelly</span> after just 2 games and the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2014/9/8/6124257/marcus-peters-has-been-suspended-for-the-illinois-game">suspension</a> and then later <a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2014/11/6/7167523/marcus-peters-dismissed">dismissal</a> of Peters - this group weathered early troubles and by the end of the year provided some reasons for optimism moving forward.</p>
<p>By most measures they were not a very good unit in 2014; by Passer Rating Allowed, they ranked a lowly <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category02/sort02.html">102nd in the country</a>, and the more advanced metric S&P was only moderately more kind, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef">ranking them 61st</a> in pass defense. This was a young group getting their feet wet and leaning heavily on the tremendous pass rush provided by the front four. But despite their struggles, you could see the talent and potential there as players such as true frosh <span>Sidney Jones</span> and <span>Budda Baker</span> flashed star potential, and guys like Ross and <span>Naijiel Hale</span> gained valuable experience.</p>
<p>Here's what we said in our <a target="_blank" href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2014/7/27/5941989/uw-fall-camp-preview-defensive-backs/in/5704770">fall preview series heading into the year</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Even if the true freshmen aren't counted on all that much, make no mistake that youth is going to be served in the secondary this season. It's likely that 3 of the four starters will be underclassmen, and that most of the primary backups are as well. There will be growing pains, and even though the non-conference schedule isn't too formidable, it's likely that fans are going to see opposing receivers running free down the middle of the field more than they'd like. With the talent at QB and receiver in the Pac 12, the secondary is going to give up yards. But there's talent that's going to grow up, and the grey hairs in front of them are going to help them do so.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>Players Lost/Players Returning:</h4>
<p> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="324">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 4534; width: 93pt;" width="124"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1060; width: 22pt;" width="29"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 6253; width: 128pt;" width="171"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl64" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 93pt;" height="20" width="124"><b>name</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 22pt;" width="29"><b>position</b></td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 128pt;" width="171"><b>year</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><i>lost:</i></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Travell Dixon</span></td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>graduated</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Marcus Peters</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>dismissed/NFL early entry</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl63" style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><i>returning:</i></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Budda Baker</td>
<td>S</td>
<td>Sophomore</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Brandon Beaver</span></td>
<td>S</td>
<td>RS-Junior</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Aaron Chapman</span></td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>RS-Freshman (walk-on)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Brian Clay</span></td>
<td>S</td>
<td>RS-Senior</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Darren Gardenhire</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>Sophomore</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Naijiel Hale</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>Sophomore</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Sidney Jones</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>Sophomore</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Jermaine Kelly</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>RS-Sophomore</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Kevin King</span></td>
<td>S/CB</td>
<td>Junior</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Brandon Lewis</span></td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>RS-Freshman</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>JoJo McIntosh</span></td>
<td>S</td>
<td>RS-Freshman</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">John Ross</td>
<td>CB/WR</td>
<td>Junior</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Ezekiel Turner</td>
<td>S</td>
<td>Sophomore</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span>Trevor Walker</span></td>
<td>S</td>
<td>Junior</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Storylines to Watch:</h4>
<p>While Chris Petersen will always insist that every job is open for competition, I think we can say with some certainty that two of the starting secondary positions are essentially locked up heading into the spring with <i>Jones</i> at CB and <i>Baker</i> at S. That leaves two openings and a lot of interesting candidates in play:</p>
<p><i>Cornerback:</i></p>
<p><i>Kelly</i> arrived with a fair amount of hype after signing in 2013, and he secured <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/british-open">the open</a> CB job opposite Peters to start 2014. He had some struggles as you might expect of a RS-Fr seeing his first game action, and then was lost to a serious ankle injury just 2 games into the season. How well he's recovered - and how far that injury set him back in relation to the other corners on the roster - will be of great interest this spring. The competition will be much stiffer this time around than it was last year. <i></i></p>
<p><i>Hale</i> was the most highly touted corner signed by Petersen in 2014 and he had his moments on the field. He won't wow you with his speed or size, but he plays with a toughness and tenacity serves him well. A year in the weight room working with Tim Socha should hopefully result in some gains in his speed and strength, and he gained valuable experience last year.</p>
<p><i>Ross</i> is perhaps the most intriguing candidate, and there will be much attention paid to him and whether he's a full-time CB now, whether he splits his time between CB and WR or whether he ends up moved back full-time to offense. Despite not a lot of practice time and playing almost strictly man schemes, Ross showed his physical gifts translate nicely to the defensive side. His speed and agility allow him to stick close to his man, and he showed more physicality as a defender than he did at WR. With an entire off-season at CB, he could emerge as a terrific prospect, but can this staff afford to keep his skills strictly on the defensive side of the ball?</p>
<p><i>Safety:</i></p>
<p><i>King</i> is the other returning starter at S, but his position seems less secure than Baker's. While tall at 6'3", he's still very lean and lacks the physical presence you like to see out of a safety as an enforcer in the middle of the field and in run support. As a converted CB, his strength is his pass defense, but he struggled to convert that to production on the field, recording just 1 interception, 3 pass break-ups and 4 passes defensed. He's indicated recently that the coaching staff is considering giving him looks at CB - if Zeke Turner can lay claim to a starting job at safety, it makes some sense to see if King can lay claim to the open CB job.</p>
<p><i>Turner</i> is new to the program as a JC transfer, but he brings impressive size and speed to the position, and his recruitment suggests the staff is very interested in finding a quick upgrade at the position. They like his size, his intelligence and his aggressiveness on the field.</p>
<p><i>Walker </i>picked up 3 starts last year before going down for the year with an injury vs. ASU. He plays bigger than his size (5'11", 186 lbs) and seems to be a better fit at SS backing up Baker, but he'll get his chances at FS this spring to make his case for the job.</p>
<p><i>Beaver</i> is at a critical point in his career. The former CB was a highly-touted recruit under Sarkisian, but he didn't make much of a dent in his first couple of years with the program. He turned some heads this past spring and fall showing ball-hawking skills, but once the season commenced he had been passed-up by Baker, King and Walker. He's got the coverage skill talent to fit a FS role and has enough size for the position, but he'll need to bring more consistency and physicality.</p>
<h4>Freshmen Arriving in the Fall:</h4>
<p> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="245">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 3949; width: 81pt;" width="108"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1865; width: 38pt;" width="51"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 3145; width: 65pt;" width="86"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt; width: 81pt;" height="20" width="108"><b>name</b></td>
<td style="width: 38pt;" width="51"><b>position</b></td>
<td style="width: 65pt;" width="86"><b>size</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Austin Joyner</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>5'10", 192 lbs</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Jordan Miller</span></td>
<td>DB</td>
<td>6'1", 164 lbs</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Quinten Pounds</td>
<td>WR/DB</td>
<td>5'11", 166 lbs</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2015/3/20/8134721/washington-spring-preview-2015-defensive-backsKirk DeGrasse