Washington Huskies: Dexter Charles
WASHINGTON HUSKIES
2012 record: 7-6
2012 conference record: 5-4 (Fourth in North Division)
Returning starters: Offense 10; Defense 8; Kicker/punter: 2
Top returners: QB Keith Price, RB Bishop Sankey, WR Kasen Williams, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, DB Sean Parker, LB John Timu, DE Josh Shirley, LB Shaq Thompson.
Key losses: CB Desmond Trufant, DB Justin Glenn, C Drew Schaefer, FB Jonathan Amosa.
2012 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Bishop Sankey* (1,439)
Passing: Keith Price* (2,726)
Receiving: Kasen Williams* (878)
Tackles: John Timu* (91)
Sacks: Josh Shirley*; Andrew Hudson* (6.5)
Interceptions: Justin Glenn, Shaq Thompson*, Marcus Peters* (3)
Spring answers
2012 record: 7-6
2012 conference record: 5-4 (Fourth in North Division)
Returning starters: Offense 10; Defense 8; Kicker/punter: 2
Top returners: QB Keith Price, RB Bishop Sankey, WR Kasen Williams, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, DB Sean Parker, LB John Timu, DE Josh Shirley, LB Shaq Thompson.
Key losses: CB Desmond Trufant, DB Justin Glenn, C Drew Schaefer, FB Jonathan Amosa.
2012 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Bishop Sankey* (1,439)
Passing: Keith Price* (2,726)
Receiving: Kasen Williams* (878)
Tackles: John Timu* (91)
Sacks: Josh Shirley*; Andrew Hudson* (6.5)
Interceptions: Justin Glenn, Shaq Thompson*, Marcus Peters* (3)
Spring answers
- Picking up the pace: We know the Huskies spent the spring installing a new up-tempo offense. How much of it was installed and how comfortable the players are running it remains to be seen. But Steve Sarkisian has made a point that his team needs to 1) do a better job keeping up with the up-tempo offenses in the league and 2) do a better job keeping teams on their heels. This philosophical switch seems to address both since the defense has been practicing against an up-tempo offense.
- Starting five: Many believe this is the best team Sarkisian has had since coming to Washington. And part of that might be that he finally has a healthy offensive line with quality depth behind the starters. The group of Micah Hatchie (LT), Dexter Charles (LG), Mike Criste (C), James Atoe (RG) and Ben Riva (RT) worked as the first-team starting five all spring. And former starters Erik Kohler and Colin Tanigawa, along with experienced backup Shane Brostek, give the Huskies quantity and quality up front.
- Progress of Price: The breakout player of 2011 and embattled starter of 2012, Keith Price, quickly shook off whispers of a quarterback competition with a strong spring that left Sarkisian feeling good about his third-year starter. He distanced himself from would-be challengers and, if he can return to that 2011 form, could have Washington in the top 25.
- After Price: It looks like Cyler Miles has established himself as No. 2 in the quarterback hierarchy, but the battle to be Price's understudy will continue into the fall with Derrick Brown and Jeff Lindquist still in the mix. The Huskies were one of only four teams in the conference last year to have the same quarterback start every game. So Price has proven his durability. But having a clear pecking order behind the starter can be equally important.
- Replacing Trufant: No easy task to replace Desmond Trufant, a staple in the Washington defensive backfield who at one point started 45 straight games. Marcus Peters is all but locked in on one side, leaving Greg Ducre and Travell Dixon battling it out on the other side. Tre Watson will also be in the mix.
- ASJ MIA: How long will Austin Seferian-Jenkins, the Pac-12's top tight end, be out? Will he miss any games? He's been suspended indefinitely stemming from his DUI arrest and many are wondering if he'll miss at least the season opener against Boise State. Sarkisian pointed to the silver lining of the situation -- noting that his absence has allowed others at the position to get extensive work this spring. He also said Seferian-Jenkins is taking all of the proper steps to rejoin the team. There is little doubt he'll be the most dominant tight end in the league in 2013, and probably the country. The timetable for his return will be of great interest in the coming months.
SEATTLE -- If there is one thing that comes up each week, if not every day, it is the offensive line.
There are questions about the linemen Washington is recruiting. There are questions about the program’s development of linemen. There are questions about the injuries that have plagued the unit and how far the Huskies have to go before the line can be looked at as a position of strength.
If there is one unit Washington fans are desperate to see improvement from, it’s the offensive line. But, as the Huskies prepare to play No. 11 USC at 4 p.m. Saturday at CenturyLink Field, the one thing that has hampered the line more than anything else is injuries.
There are questions about the linemen Washington is recruiting. There are questions about the program’s development of linemen. There are questions about the injuries that have plagued the unit and how far the Huskies have to go before the line can be looked at as a position of strength.
If there is one unit Washington fans are desperate to see improvement from, it’s the offensive line. But, as the Huskies prepare to play No. 11 USC at 4 p.m. Saturday at CenturyLink Field, the one thing that has hampered the line more than anything else is injuries.
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SEATTLE -- Here are five storylines as Washington prepares to play No. 11 USC at 4 p.m. Saturday at CenturyLink Field:
No. 1 Price needs to play, not work: During the weekly Pac-12 conference call Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said quarterback Keith Price needs to find the fun in football again.
“Right now he’s working football, and working is not fun, as we all know,” Sarkisian said.
No. 1 Price needs to play, not work: During the weekly Pac-12 conference call Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said quarterback Keith Price needs to find the fun in football again.
“Right now he’s working football, and working is not fun, as we all know,” Sarkisian said.
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SEATTLE -- Here are five storylines facing Washington as the Huskies work through their bye week:
1. Preparing for potent part of the schedule: The Huskies certainly faced a daunting challenge traveling to LSU in Week 2. But at least Washington was favored in games before and after its matchup with the Tigers. Over the next four weeks, the Huskies face ranked opponents in No. 9 Stanford, No. 3 Oregon, No. 13 USC and No. 22 Arizona.
2. Implementing game plan for Stanford: With its matchup against the Cardinal looming on Sept. 27, Washington doesn’t get the luxury of a true bye week. The Huskies will begin game-week preparations Saturday for a nationally televised contest Thursday night.
1. Preparing for potent part of the schedule: The Huskies certainly faced a daunting challenge traveling to LSU in Week 2. But at least Washington was favored in games before and after its matchup with the Tigers. Over the next four weeks, the Huskies face ranked opponents in No. 9 Stanford, No. 3 Oregon, No. 13 USC and No. 22 Arizona.
2. Implementing game plan for Stanford: With its matchup against the Cardinal looming on Sept. 27, Washington doesn’t get the luxury of a true bye week. The Huskies will begin game-week preparations Saturday for a nationally televised contest Thursday night.
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3 Up, 3 Down: UW 52, Portland State 13 
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
6:00
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- A look at positives and negatives from Washington’s 52-13 win over Portland State Saturday at CenturyLink Field.
THREE UP
1. Keith Price. The junior quarterback needed a performance like this. He needed an opportunity to let the game come to him and make the plays that were presented. He looked comfortable and he was efficient, completing 14 of 19 passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns.
THREE UP
1. Keith Price. The junior quarterback needed a performance like this. He needed an opportunity to let the game come to him and make the plays that were presented. He looked comfortable and he was efficient, completing 14 of 19 passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns.
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Instant Analysis: UW 52, Portland State 13
September, 15, 2012
9/15/12
5:04
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE – If there was any lingering frustration after last week’s loss at LSU, Washington let it loose on Portland State Saturday as the Huskies cruised to a 52-13 victory at CenturyLink Field.
It was over when: Portland State attempted an onside kick to open the game. The trick play failed and provided Washington with good field position. The Huskies needed just four plays to score and never looked back, tallying touchdowns on their first two drives.
Game ball goes to: There are plenty of players to pick from in this one, but quarterback Keith Price takes home the game ball this week after relieving some pressure by completing 14 of 19 passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns.
Stat of the game: Washington matched a school record by scoring 45 points in the first half -- the Huskies also scored 45 points against Oregon State in 1999. Over the first two quarters the Huskies produced four touchdowns on offense -- three passing, one rushing -- one on special teams, one on defense and tacked on a 41-yard field goal from Travis Coons right before the half.
On-field firsts: Sophomore receiver DiAndre Campbell caught his first touchdown pass, while sophomore right tackle Mike Criste and redshirt freshman left guard Dexter Charles made their first starts against Portland State. True freshman offensive lineman Shane Brostek also took the field for the first time, becoming the ninth freshman to play for Washington this season.
What it means: While it is important to keep in mind that the Huskies were playing an FCS team, the good news is Washington has some positive momentum as it heads into the bye week with games against Stanford, Oregon, USC and Arizona looming. The Huskies were able to find a much-needed rhythm on offense, establishing their ground game -- Bishop Sankey rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries -- and building some confidence along an offensive line that is trying to create continuity.
It was over when: Portland State attempted an onside kick to open the game. The trick play failed and provided Washington with good field position. The Huskies needed just four plays to score and never looked back, tallying touchdowns on their first two drives.
Game ball goes to: There are plenty of players to pick from in this one, but quarterback Keith Price takes home the game ball this week after relieving some pressure by completing 14 of 19 passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns.
Stat of the game: Washington matched a school record by scoring 45 points in the first half -- the Huskies also scored 45 points against Oregon State in 1999. Over the first two quarters the Huskies produced four touchdowns on offense -- three passing, one rushing -- one on special teams, one on defense and tacked on a 41-yard field goal from Travis Coons right before the half.
On-field firsts: Sophomore receiver DiAndre Campbell caught his first touchdown pass, while sophomore right tackle Mike Criste and redshirt freshman left guard Dexter Charles made their first starts against Portland State. True freshman offensive lineman Shane Brostek also took the field for the first time, becoming the ninth freshman to play for Washington this season.
What it means: While it is important to keep in mind that the Huskies were playing an FCS team, the good news is Washington has some positive momentum as it heads into the bye week with games against Stanford, Oregon, USC and Arizona looming. The Huskies were able to find a much-needed rhythm on offense, establishing their ground game -- Bishop Sankey rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries -- and building some confidence along an offensive line that is trying to create continuity.
A look at Day 14 of Washington's fall camp
August, 21, 2012
8/21/12
10:01
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- It has taken the better part of four years, but Washington coach Steve Sarkisian feels like his program finally has flexibility on the offensive line.
With offensive lineman Erik Kohler working his way back into the lineup after suffering a knee injury on the first day of fall camp, Sarkisian has the interchangeable parts he has been looking for since he became the Huskies’ head coach.
“This is where you’re supposed to be and it just took us a little while to get here,” Sarkisian said.
After returning to practice Monday, Kohler went through both practices Tuesday, spending some time at center.
While Kohler recovered from the injury, Micah Hatchie and Ben Riva worked as the starting tackles, while Colin Tanigawa and James Atoe were the guards. Drew Schaefer is the starting center.
Kohler, who was recruited to Washington as a tackle and has spent time at guard, can play any spot along the line, giving the Huskies options. Sarkisian said he would have up to an eight-man rotation on the offensive line early in the season.
“I feel like our offensive line has had a nice training camp up to this point and, now with more healthy bodies, the expectations should only become greater,” Sarkisian said. “I think we’ll perform even greater with the lack of fatigue.”
With redshirt freshman Dexter Charles also having a strong camp, the Huskies the kind of depth that allows them to look at redshirting more freshmen.
Injury report
The Huskies continue to get good news with linebacker Travis Feeney returning to practice Tuesday, although he is still limited to the non-contact yellow jersey.
Linebacker Thomas Tutogi is also back practicing, adding more depth to a position that had been hit hard by injuries.
“It feels like another day we’re getting another guy back,” Sarkisian said. “As bad as it was early in camp, we’re doing pretty good right now.”
• Sarkisian said defensive end Hau’oli Jamora and running back Deontae Cooper should both undergo surgery on their knee injuries this week.
• Washington will play Montana at Husky Stadium in 2017, the university confirmed Tuesday.
With offensive lineman Erik Kohler working his way back into the lineup after suffering a knee injury on the first day of fall camp, Sarkisian has the interchangeable parts he has been looking for since he became the Huskies’ head coach.
“This is where you’re supposed to be and it just took us a little while to get here,” Sarkisian said.
After returning to practice Monday, Kohler went through both practices Tuesday, spending some time at center.
While Kohler recovered from the injury, Micah Hatchie and Ben Riva worked as the starting tackles, while Colin Tanigawa and James Atoe were the guards. Drew Schaefer is the starting center.
Kohler, who was recruited to Washington as a tackle and has spent time at guard, can play any spot along the line, giving the Huskies options. Sarkisian said he would have up to an eight-man rotation on the offensive line early in the season.
“I feel like our offensive line has had a nice training camp up to this point and, now with more healthy bodies, the expectations should only become greater,” Sarkisian said. “I think we’ll perform even greater with the lack of fatigue.”
With redshirt freshman Dexter Charles also having a strong camp, the Huskies the kind of depth that allows them to look at redshirting more freshmen.
Injury report
The Huskies continue to get good news with linebacker Travis Feeney returning to practice Tuesday, although he is still limited to the non-contact yellow jersey.
Linebacker Thomas Tutogi is also back practicing, adding more depth to a position that had been hit hard by injuries.
“It feels like another day we’re getting another guy back,” Sarkisian said. “As bad as it was early in camp, we’re doing pretty good right now.”
• Sarkisian said defensive end Hau’oli Jamora and running back Deontae Cooper should both undergo surgery on their knee injuries this week.
• Washington will play Montana at Husky Stadium in 2017, the university confirmed Tuesday.
UW OL Drew Schaefer likes line's look
August, 12, 2012
8/12/12
3:20
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE – As soon as Washington’s freshmen arrived on campus, Drew Schaefer organized tutoring sessions for the linemen.
The 6-foot-4, 294-pound senior center gathered the group two or three times each week for an hour or two. They broke down the playbook. They talked about technique. They discussed scenarios that would give the young players a head start at the beginning of fall camp.
“We went through the whole playbook,” Schaefer said. “That’s why some of those freshmen have a good understanding of the playbook this first week, because all summer we’ve already been working on it.”
The only senior on the Huskies’ offensive line, Schaefer has embraced his role at the line’s leader. But, as important as those sessions were for the young players, Schaefer said the time spent teaching the playbook also helped his understanding of the offense.
“You always learn, especially from teaching it, compared to just sitting there and listening to it from coach [Dan] Cozzetto,” Schaefer said. “It’s a different perspective and you kind of pick up on stuff.”
With junior Erik Kohler working his way back from a knee injury on the first day of camp, Schaefer is the only upperclassmen working with Washington’s starting offensive line.
Redshirt sophomores Micah Hatchie (left tackle), Colin Tanigawa (left guard) -- he is working his way back slowly as he also recovers from a knee injury -- James Atoe (right guard) and Ben Riva (right tackle) make up the rest of the first-string line with redshirt freshman Dexter Charles also seeing time with the first unit.
So far, Schaefer likes what he is seeing out of the group.
“From the point where we ended spring to this first week of camp, I think we’ve made a lot of strides,” Schaefer said. “There is obviously stuff we can still work on, but as far as our communication and in terms of playing together, I think I’m really happy with where we’re at.”
Freshman Shane Brostek, who has a cast on his right hand, has also drawn praise from both Schaefer and Washington coach Steve Sarkisian. Schaefer also made a point to praise tackles Hatchie and Riva.
“They’re doing a lot better job with their sets,” Schaefer said. “They’re giving [quarterback] Keith [Price] a lot more time in the pocket.”
Washington's line is young. But Schaefer sees progress.
“Through Week 1 I’m really proud of where we’re at,” he said.
The 6-foot-4, 294-pound senior center gathered the group two or three times each week for an hour or two. They broke down the playbook. They talked about technique. They discussed scenarios that would give the young players a head start at the beginning of fall camp.
“We went through the whole playbook,” Schaefer said. “That’s why some of those freshmen have a good understanding of the playbook this first week, because all summer we’ve already been working on it.”
The only senior on the Huskies’ offensive line, Schaefer has embraced his role at the line’s leader. But, as important as those sessions were for the young players, Schaefer said the time spent teaching the playbook also helped his understanding of the offense.
“You always learn, especially from teaching it, compared to just sitting there and listening to it from coach [Dan] Cozzetto,” Schaefer said. “It’s a different perspective and you kind of pick up on stuff.”
With junior Erik Kohler working his way back from a knee injury on the first day of camp, Schaefer is the only upperclassmen working with Washington’s starting offensive line.
Redshirt sophomores Micah Hatchie (left tackle), Colin Tanigawa (left guard) -- he is working his way back slowly as he also recovers from a knee injury -- James Atoe (right guard) and Ben Riva (right tackle) make up the rest of the first-string line with redshirt freshman Dexter Charles also seeing time with the first unit.
So far, Schaefer likes what he is seeing out of the group.
“From the point where we ended spring to this first week of camp, I think we’ve made a lot of strides,” Schaefer said. “There is obviously stuff we can still work on, but as far as our communication and in terms of playing together, I think I’m really happy with where we’re at.”
Freshman Shane Brostek, who has a cast on his right hand, has also drawn praise from both Schaefer and Washington coach Steve Sarkisian. Schaefer also made a point to praise tackles Hatchie and Riva.
“They’re doing a lot better job with their sets,” Schaefer said. “They’re giving [quarterback] Keith [Price] a lot more time in the pocket.”
Washington's line is young. But Schaefer sees progress.
“Through Week 1 I’m really proud of where we’re at,” he said.
ABOUT HUSKY NATION
Mason Kelley
Mason Kelley joined ESPN.com in 2012 and covers Washington recruiting. Kelley came to ESPN after spending three years as the high school sports coordinator at The Seattle Times. He has written about high school, college and professional sports since 2004, working for newspapers in Florida, California, Idaho and Washington. He currently lives in Seattle and can be reached at masonkelleyESPN@gmail.com.