Washington Huskies

All players are equal, but some players are more equal than others. That's the basis of our Most Important Player series.

First off, quarterbacks are excluded to make things more interesting. It goes without saying, for example, that Oregon's Marcus Mariota is the Ducks' most important player.

And most important doesn't necessarily have to be "best." An All-American's backup can be pretty darn good, too.

Our most important guys are players who could swing a win total one way or the other, based on their living up to expectations. Or their absence.

Washington: S Sean Parker

2012 production: Tallied 77 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss and two interceptions with six passes defended. He also forced three fumbles.

Why Parker is so important: As stated above, quarterbacks are excluded from this series. But we never said anything about excluding the quarterback of the defense. And that's exactly what Sean Parker is for the Huskies -- a quarterback at safety who headlines a surging secondary.

There are a lot of different directions to go with the Huskies. Running back Bishop Sankey is an obvious choice. He's a 1,400-yard rusher who has quickly climbed from by-committee option to A-list playmaker. Kasen Williams and Austin Seferian-Jenkins are strong options as well.

Defensively, there are some good linebacker options in Shaq Thompson, John Timu or Travis Feeney. All could fill this space.

But Parker, who was selected by his teammates as a captain last year, is the guy who makes everything click.

"Tremendous player. Great leader. Really exemplifies what we want back there," said head coach Steve Sarkisian.

As documented, the Huskies' defense made huge strides in 2012 -- particularly in the secondary -- in their first year under defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox. And if they hope to be a Top-25 team -- as many have them slated -- that defense will have to keep improving. Parker will have to keep improving.

He stepped up in some of Washington's biggest games last year. He forced a fumble, had five tackles and a tackle for a loss in the win over Stanford. Against Oregon State he broke up three passes and had an interception that stopped an early drive deep in Washington territory.

This year's schedule isn't quite as daunting. But they still play in the Pac-12 North and they have to travel to Arizona State and UCLA -- not to mention the home opener against Boise State in a rematch of last year's bowl game. But there is plenty of leadership on the Huskies this year and Parker, an all-league honorable mention pick last season, is considered the leader of the leaders.

He's started in all 13 games each of the last two seasons and has been through the peaks and valleys of the program. The Huskies have a chance to ascend to peaks they haven't reached in a decade. If they do, chances are Parker plays a huge role in getting them there.

Unlike last year, there aren't nearly as many questions surrounding the Washington defense as the Huskies head into the final stretch before fall camp.

Last year a new scheme and new coaches were being installed, headlined by new defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox. The Huskies' defense was abysmal in 2011 -- so head coach Steve Sarkisian blew it up and started from scratch.

Now the Huskies are looking to build off of the momentum they gained in 2012 when they made huge strides in one year under Wilcox & Co.

"The numbers don't lie," Sarkisian said.

They certainly don't.

The biggest advances were in the secondary, where the Huskies jumped from 87th to 27th in pass efficiency defense, 106th to 31st in total defense, 108th to 39th in scoring defense and 116th to 23rd in pass defense. They had 17 interceptions last year compared to 10 the year before.

"Our secondary really had a very good season for us last year," Sarkisian said. "I thought Justin Wilcox, Keith Heyward, our secondary coach, really came in and did a great job. ... You look at the increase in play we had in the secondary -- our pass defense numbers, our ability to create turnovers -- I think really speaks volumes to their coaching and their ability to develop our players."


That's what Sarkisian is banking on in 2013 -- player development. More specifically, at the cornerback spot where they have to replace first-round draft pick Desmond Trufant. Sarkisian called the competition "healthy" this spring, but isn't anywhere closer to declaring anyone as the leader in the clubhouse for that starting spot. And it might end up being by-committee or which player has the hot hand that week. A few defensive backs have switched positions or spent time at safety and corner in an effort to make the defensive backfield deeper and more versatile.

With Marcus Peters, who started the final eight games opposite Trufant last season, back on one side, the competition heated up over spring between Travell Dixon and Greg Ducre. Sarkisian said that redshirt freshman Cleveland Wallace has also made a big push. Dixon is a JC transfer (once committed to Alabama) and Ducre had 15 tackles while appearing in 13 games last season.

"Desmond Trufant was a great player for us," Sarkisian said. "Anytime you have a first-round draft pick at corner it tells you the quality of player you have. But I think we've got some really capable guys that are stepping in."

If the Huskies can shore up that spot, expect the secondary to make even bigger strides in 2013. Sean Parker, who started all 13 games at safety, returns as the unquestioned leader of the secondary. Will Shamburger, who started two games last year, will see a larger role. But there's some good competition there as well. Tre Watson (who can pitch in either at corner or safety) is in the mix, and early enrollee Trevor Walker had a strong first spring. Brandon Beaver, who converted from corner to safety late last season but was limited in the spring, is also going to press for playing time.

Lots of names. But that also means lots of depth.

"We've got a good amount of talent back there," Sarkisian said. "It's about finding the right combination of those guys. For some of those guys who were redshirt players for us last year, Travell, Brandon, Cleveland, fall camp is going to be big for them. This spring was good to get the terminology and fundamentals and techniques after spending all year on the service team last year. There is a healthy competition going on back there and the end result is we're fortunate to have good depth and good coaches and we feel good about our pass defense when the fall rolls around."

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

1. 2013 Schedule

   Aug. 31 Boise State
   Sept. 14 at Illinois
   Sept. 21 Idaho State
   Sept. 28 Arizona
   Oct. 5 at Stanford
   Oct. 12 Oregon
   Oct. 19 at Arizona State
   Oct. 26 California
   Nov. 9 Colorado
   Nov. 15 at UCLA
   Nov. 23 at Oregon State
   Nov. 29 Washington State

   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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Fall questions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 -- After everything Marcus Peters accomplished as a redshirt freshman -- 44 tackles, three interceptions and a fumble recovery -- it would be easy for the cornerback to set lofty goals for the 2013 season.

With Desmond Trufant moving on to a career in the NFL, it would make sense for Peters to take the next step and evolve into the “all-conference performer” coach Steve Sarkisian thinks he is capable of becoming.

However, instead of making bold claims, the only thing Peters talks about is competing with his “brothers.”

“Once we get in that defensive backfield and you come to the University of Washington, you lock yourself into a brotherhood,” Peters said.

While Peters won’t brag about his potential, Sarkisian expects the corner’s consistency to improve next season.

“He’s flashed it several times for us and now to be able to put that thing together and do if for an 80-play sequence on game day, I think, would be amazing,” Sarkisian said.

Peters started his redshirt freshman season as a backup, but he returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown in the Huskies’ third game against Portland State.

He ended up starting eight games. In his first start, against USC, he piled up nine tackles and picked off a pass. Washington lost the game, but Peters showed the potential that has caused the coaching staff to elevate expectations.

When asked what he learned last year that will help him achieve the consistency Sarkisian is looking for, Peters said, “I’ve just got to limit my mistakes and play to what the call allows me to do, not so much try to make plays for myself. Make plays for the team, so the team can be successful.

“At times last year, I made bonehead plays and it cost the team. Since we came back from the loss in Las Vegas, I’ve just been focusing on being a lot more dialed in to details.”

While he works on the details, he is allowing seniors Tre Watson, Greg Ducre and safety Sean Parker to be the vocal leaders. Peters plans to set an example through his hard work.

“I’m just trying my best to just keep things going in the right hands from last year,” Peters said.

Based on his performance in 2012, Peters seems poised for a breakout season, but his goal is to help the Huskies take the next step as a program.

“I think the team is going to do something special,” Peters said. “We just need to keep our heads focused on the right things, that’s it.”

SEATTLE -- On the day before Washington opened spring practice, Steve Sarkisian sat down at a table and asked the assembled media members if they would be willing to take the news conference outside.

It was sunny afternoon in Seattle and the Huskies’ coach took the weather as a positive sign of what his program has to look forward to in 2013.

“It’s always good to wake up with the sun shining to start football again,” Sarkisian said.

As Sarkisian embarks on his fifth season with the program, the coach has reason to see a sunnier side of things to come for his football team.

Washington has put together four consecutive top-25 recruiting classes, earning trips to bowl games in each of the last three seasons. The assembled talent has reached a point in which young players have been in the system long enough to be considered veterans.

“This is a football team that we’ve talked for the last few years about youth,” Sarkisian said. “Well, now all of a sudden, that youth has become veteran leadership.”

As the Huskies work through spring football, this is the year the program needs to take a significant step forward.

“We’re excited about this team that we have in place,” Sarkisian said. “We’re poised for a great run. We have a lot of work to do, obviously, but we’re poised for a great run.”

The pieces are in place for Washington to make a move in the Pac-12 North. Quarterback Keith Price is a senior. Receiver Kasen Williams and running back Bishop Sankey are juniors. The offensive line has played in meaningful games and the defense is pointed in the right direction under defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox.

“This is a hungry football team,” Sarkisian said. “One that, like I said, is champing at the bit to get back on the field, compete and play football and, ultimately, get back on the field for the fall season in 2013.”

Sarkisian isn’t making any bold claims about where the program is headed. He isn’t guaranteeing a trip to the Pac-12 title game and a spot in the Rose Bowl. But he knows the talent is in the program to make a move. He considers a division title a realistic goal for the Huskies.

Safety Sean Parker is developing into a senior leader. James Johnson is healthy and, as a senior, provides a veteran presence at receiver. Safety Shaq Thompson has a year of experience behind him and defensive tackle Danny Shelton will be counted on to have a big season.

All of the pieces are in place.

“I think we have the roster in place to take that step and to do it consistently,” Sarkisian said.

After ending the 2012 season with back-to-back losses, the Huskies are determined to show something this season. Washington wants to take a significant step forward.

That journey starts this spring.

“What I do know is there is zero complacency in our locker room right now,” Sarkisian said. “This is a hungry group that wants to redeem themselves for the opportunities that we let get away from us.”

SEATTLE -- When asked to list a few players he is looking forward to watching this spring, Steve Sarkisian added one word for almost every person he talked about.

When it comes to potential breakout performances, Washington’s coach is “excited” about the potential for several players in his program to put together breakout seasons.

With the Huskies opening spring practice Tuesday night, here is a look at players to pay attention to:

1. Quarterback Keith Price: It is hard for Sarkisian to believe his quarterback is already a senior.

The coach and quarterback have been linked throughout Sarkisian’s tenure at Washington.

“We’ve been through a lot together and we’ve got one chapter left that we want to make this thing a great ending,” Sarkisian said.

After a breakout season as a sophomore, Price struggled as a junior. Sarkisian wants his quarterback to regain the “smile,” “flair” and “competitive nature” that seems to come naturally when Price is playing well.

Can he come through with a second breakout season? Sarkisian thinks so.

2. Cornerback Marcus Peters: As a redshirt freshman, Peters produced flashes. He showed, at times, he could become an all-conference corner.

Now it is time for Peters to build on those moments.

“I would like to see Marcus Peters play with the consistency that he’s capable of playing with,” Sarkisian said. “He’s flashed it several times for us and now to be able to put that thing together and do if for an 80-play sequence on game day, I think, would be amazing.”

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SEATTLE -- Jaydon Mickens rarely passes up an opportunity to do extra drills. So, it wasn’t much of a surprise to see him linger on the Dempsey Indoor turf while his teammates headed for the locker room after a recent practice.

Once Mickens finished, he reflected on his freshman season.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound receiver called it a “learning experience.” He pointed to the older players who have pushed him in the right direction.

When asked which players have helped him the most, Mickens didn’t hesitate.

“Actually, the whole team has taken me under their wings,” he said. “Everybody is trying to get each other better. Everybody is trying to get each other right.”

Then Mickens got more specific. He talked about defensive backs Sean Parker, Justin Glenn and Desmond Trufant making life difficult in practice in order to make things easier on Saturdays.

“All those guys are banding together, making me better,” Mickens said.

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