Washington Huskies

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.”

Starters in, starters out. That’s college football. Players’ eligibility expires, and they leave for the rest of their lives, whether that includes the NFL or not.

And they leave behind shoes of various sizes that need to be filled.

Our concern with this series? The biggest shoes -- in some cases Shaq-like size 23s.

Biggest shoes: Cornerback Desmond Trufant

The First-Team All-Conference defensive back was a staple at the position for the Huskies, starting 45 straight games at one point in his career. He was honored with the team's Guy Flaherty award -- Washington's oldest and most prestigious team award. He was a captain and posted 36 tackles in 2012, including 27 solo. He also registered 4.5 tackles for a loss, a sack and one interception. He didn't have the big numbers like a lot of other defensive backs -- in terms of pass breakups and defended -- but that's because teams respected him enough to throw the other way. He was 12th in the league in passes defended. But he still finished the year with a team high nine breakups and 10 passes defended. He also forced a fumble, blocked a kick and recovered a fumble.

Stepping in: It's almost a sure thing that Marcus Peters will continue to start on the opposite side. But who exactly steps in for Trufant remains to be seen. It could be Tre Watson or Greg Ducre. Transfer Travell Dixon could also be in the mix. Dixon is a JC transfer (who spent a spring at Alabama) and becomes eligible in the fall after joining the team in the middle of last season. Watson started the first five games last season and appeared in all 13. Ducre picked up a start when Trufant was injured against Colorado and also appeared in every game last season. Peters -- who started the final eight games last year -- shared the team high in interceptions with three and Watson also had a pick. No doubt Trufant -- who may end up being a first-round draft pick -- leaves a big hole. But there is good experience and depth so the Huskies don't have to reinvent the wheel at the position.

SEATTLE -- With the combination of size and speed at the receiver position throughout the Pac-12, Washington coach Steve Sarkisian wants to bring in long, athletic cornerbacks who can run.

That is exactly the kind of player the Huskies think they have secured in cornerback Travell Dixon.

“He’s obviously got great length at the corner position,” Sarkisian said. “He has tremendous speed, which are two things we’re continually looking for at that spot. Ideally, we’re recruiting 6-foot-or-taller corners who can really run to defend the length in our conference, as well as the speed.

The 6-foot-1, 191-pound Miami native is now practicing with Washington after transferring from Alabama.

“In our conference, the more corners, good corners, you have, the better,” Sarkisian said. “Getting a guy with some experience for next year, as we lose Tru (senior Desmond Trufant), I think will be good for us.”

After spending two years at Eastern Arizona College, Dixon enrolled at Alabama in January, but he didn’t find the fit he was looking for in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

“Things didn’t work out, and we had a scholarship available,” Sarkisian said. “We were able to get him in academically and it fit that way, so we got him on board.”

Washington was interested in Dixon before he enrolled at Alabama, but the Huskies weren’t sure how much of a need they had at the position.

“He probably would have been a real, real priority for us if it wasn’t for Tre Watson and what he brought and what we saw out of him,” Sarkisian said.

While Dixon has to sit out the 2012 season, he will provide a veteran presence with Watson next year. With 6-foot-2 cornerback Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd) committed to the 2013 class, Washington continues to work on bringing athletes into its secondary who are as tall as they are fast.

SEATTLE -- After last week’s blowout in the Bayou at the hands of LSU, Washington returned home with plenty to prove. The Huskies made a statement early, scoring on their first two drives and taking a 45-0 lead into the half against Portland State Saturday at CenturyLink Field.

Stat of the half: After being held out of the end zone on offense for seven consecutive quarters, the Huskies found the end zone four times on offense, once on special teams and once on defense in the first half. They tied the school record for points in a half, matching the 45 they posted against Oregon State in 1999.

Player of the half: Quarterback Keith Price. There was a lot of talk this week about taking pressure off the junior and get him back into the rhythm he established last season. He started strong Saturday, completing 12 of 17 passes for 150 yards and three touchdowns against the Vikings.

What’s working for Washington: The offense. After stringing together a total of 183 yards and 12 first downs against LSU last week, the Huskies only needed a half to hit that mark against Portland State, totaling 261 yards and 14 first downs.

Play of the half: Freshman Shaq Thompson blocked a 33-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter. Tre Watson picked it up and returned it 79 yards for a touchdown.

Turning point: Portland State attempted an onside kick to open the game, which Washington recovered. The Huskies needed just four plays to find the end zone, with running back Bishop Sankey scoring on a 15-yard run. Washington’s second drive lasted just two plays before Price found DiAndre Campbell for a 20-yard score. It was the first touchdown reception of the sophomore’s career.

Washington traveled to SEC country Saturday, looking to upset third-ranked LSU at Tiger Stadium. But, despite forcing a turnover on the opening kickoff, the Huskies haven’t generated much momentum against a program looking to extend an 18-game home winning streak.

Stat of the half: The Huskies were out-gained by 161 yards in the first half, after being held to 70 yards on offense, while surrendering 231 yards to LSU.

Player of the half: Tre Watson. The former walk-on continues to be a valuable asset on the Huskies’ defense. He broke up a pair of first-half passes and totaled three tackles.

What’s working for Washington: Little has gone right for the Huskies so far, but kicker Travis Coons seems to be healthy -- he had been dealing with a leg issue -- booting both kickoffs into the end zone and hitting a 34-yard field goal.

What’s not working for Washington: The offense. Dealing with drops and a non-existent ground game, the Huskies were unable to get much going early. Washington was limited to five first downs and negative-11 rushing yards.

Turning point: Taz Stevenson forced a fumble on the opening kickoff that was recovered by Thomas Tutogi to give Washington some early momentum. However, LSU forced the Huskies to settle for a field goal, so that momentum was short-lived.

SEATTLE -- While Justin Wilcox would like another month to prepare his defense before Washington takes the field for its season opener, the Huskies’ defensive coordinator doesn’t have that luxury.

After spring practice and three weeks of fall camp to install his defense, Washington is down to a final few practices before Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. PT season opener against San Diego State at CenturyLink Field.

After a little fine-tuning this week it will be time for the Huskies to “put our cards out there on the table,” as Wilcox put it.

“I think they’re excited for it," he said. "I know we are, too. We just need a couple more days of good work to make sure we can get as ready as we can possibly be.”

With a new system, injuries and players switching positions, it has taken time to develop the defense, but Washington’s players are ready to line up against some fresh faces.

“I think it’s definitely time,” Wilcox said. “They’re tired of beating up on each other. It’s time for them to go play somebody else. It’s important for us to make sure we’re getting the screws tightened this week and getting our alignments, all the things we’ve worked on all fall and now gearing toward another opponent.”

Tight end ready to make plays

Michael Hartvigson still remembers staying up late every night during his freshman season, memorizing the playbook.

The 6-foot-6, 255-pound tight end would sit down with receiver Kevin Smith, and they would quiz each other on routes and formations.

It took time, but now a redshirt sophomore, Hartvigson has settled into the system.

“Now I would say I have most of the playbook almost in the back of my head,” Hartvigson said. “From my freshman year until now, I would say I’ve definitely come a long way.”

While sophomore Austin Seferian-Jenkins receives the bulk of the headlines, Hartvigson will see plenty of playing time this season. He isn’t worried about attention or accolades. He simply wants to find ways to contribute.

“Whether it’s in the run game, in the pass game, whether it’s blocking, receiving, I’m just going to do whatever coach Sark (Steve Sarkisian) wants me to do, whatever’s best for the team,” he said.

Walk-on cornerback earns starting spot

In a perfect world, Washington’s cornerbacks would all be 6-1 -- and fast.

With that in mind, how did 5-9, 183-pound walk-on Tre Watson earn a starting job opposite senior Desmond Trufant?

“Tre makes up for it by playing a little bigger than he is, his instincts, finishing -- he never gives up on plays,” Wilcox said. “He’s earned it.”

Watson edged Greg Ducre and Marcus Peters in a three-player, fall-camp battle for the starting spot.

“All three of those guys will play,” Wilcox said. “Tre was a little more consistent throughout fall camp. The work he did in spring, we thought really started it and then he validated it this fall camp.”

Note:

• Washington receiver DiAndre Campbell was in a yellow, non-contact jersey during Tuesday’s practice.

SEATTLE -- After an eventful three weeks of fall camp, Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said the “volume gets turned up” this week as the Huskies prepare for the season opener against San Diego State.

“I thought the guys brought a real sense of energy and enthusiasm, a little bit of an edge to practice today,” Sarkisian said Monday during his weekly news conference.

Whether it was injuries or position changes, Sarkisian said the adversity has shaped the team that will take the field at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at CenturyLink Field.

“We got dealt our fair share of things early on, obviously, from some injuries to guys moving around to some different positions, but the end result, I believe we’re better for it and excited to go play,” Sarkisian said.

Callier, Sankey to split reps: Jesse Callier said his father always told him it’s best to “come from the bottom.”

With Chris Polk in the NFL, Callier gets his chance to force his way into the spotlight as a junior.

“Come from the bottom and no one is expecting you and, next thing you know, you’re on them,” Callier said.

Callier is listed at the top of the depth chart with sophomore Bishop Sankey. Both backs will get carries. Both backs will get a chance to prove they can play.

“I think we’ve got a good plan in place for both those kids to, hopefully, put them in position to do what they do to be successful,” Sarkisian said. “We’ll get a better feel for them as the game goes on.”

Sophomore captain John Timu: Only a sophomore, linebacker John Timu was named one of the Huskies' three defensive captains over the weekend.

When asked about the decision, Sarkisian praised Timu’s maturity.

“He’s a really mature guy,” Sarkisian said. “Sometimes he doesn’t show as much emotion as maybe we would all like, but that calming effect that he has, I think, is why he has been able to persevere so much in his own personal life with some of the injuries and things.

“There’s some natural leadership that comes out of him that guys really recognize. I think it speaks volumes to the maturity that he possesses.”

Injury report: No new injuries were reported Monday.

Steve Sarkisian listed Hau’oli Jamora, Deontae Cooper, Nate Fellner, James Johnson, Jamaal Kearse and Cooper Pelluer as the six players out for Saturday’s season opener.

Pelluer and Cooper are already dealing with season-ending injuries. Cooper (knee) and Jamora (knee) will have surgery on their respective injuries Thursday.

Quotable: When asked about his goals for the Huskies in 2012, quarterback Keith Price said, “We’re trying to win the Pac-12; that’s our goal. Obviously we’ve got to earn respect and we have to win games.”

Other notes

 

• Washington released its depth chart Monday and Derrick Brown and Cyler Miles were both listed as backup quarterbacks. “I wanted them to keep battling, keep competing,” Sarkisian said.
• Walk-on Tre Watson won the starting cornerback spot opposite Desmond Trufant. “It’s hard to deny a guy who keeps making plays,” Sarkisian said.
• Erik Kohler is listed as the starting right guard. After suffering a knee injury on the first day of camp, Kohler has now worked his way back to a point where he can rejoin the first unit.
• Sarkisian said at least five freshmen will play this season -- punter Korey Durkee, safety Shaq Thompson, receiver Jaydon Mickens, receiver Kendyl Taylor and defensive end Pio Vatuvei. As far as the rest of the class, “time will tell,” Sarkisian said.

SEATTLE -- Here is a quick-hitting look at Washington's 13th day of fall camp:

Best practice of fall camp

After a Saturday scrimmage Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said “lacked a little bit of energy” the Huskies returned to the field Monday and put together one of their best performances of fall camp.

“I thought this was, arguably, our best practice of training camp up to this point,” Sarkisian said. “Our guys really responded to the challenge. It was great.”

(Read full post)

SEATTLE -- When the ball was snapped, Kasen Williams sprinted down the field. The sophomore receiver tried to shake walk-on cornerback Tre Watson.

He couldn’t.

When the pass sailed toward a receiver on the other side of the field, Watson made sure Williams understood what happened.

“You should know better than that,” Watson said.

As Washington works through its second week of fall camp, Watson is doing everything he can to prove he belongs on the field. Through eight days of practice, he is one of three players -- Greg Ducre and Marcus Peters are the other two -- fighting for a starting spot opposite senior corner Desmond Trufant.

The chance to earn an opportunity with the Huskies is something Watson has worked for since he graduated from Burien (Wash.) Kennedy Catholic. After stops at West Hills College in Coalinga, Calif. and Central Washington University, Watson is right where he always expected to be -- making plays as a Division-I cornerback.

“Every day he makes a play,” Williams said.

After being limited by shoulder injuries during both his junior and senior seasons in high school, Watson didn’t get recruited as heavily as he hoped.

“He didn’t get recruited the way I thought he should have,” said Kennedy Catholic coach Bob Bourgette. “He always thought he was a Division-I player and so did I.”

Watson played in 10 games at West Hills College as a freshman before starting 10 of 11 games the next season for Central Washington.

Two years into his college career, Watson still wanted to prove he was a Division I-caliber corner. So he transferred to Washington as a walk-on.

“It was more me wanting to see my opportunity to play at the next level,” Watson said. “I felt like I was in a situation where I had a good experience at Central, but I wanted to take that next step, so that’s why I made the decision.”

After sitting out the 2011 season due to NCAA transfer rules, Watson was impressive during spring practices. All that is left for him is to secure a starting spot.

“He fits in great,” Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said. “He’s just got such a knack for the football.”

He also carries the confidence to compete against anyone at any time.

“You can’t come out here and not have confidence,” Williams said. “You’re going to get abused if you don’t. Every time he comes out here, he has the confidence that he’s going to dominate."

But, while his expectation is to earn a starting spot in 2012, he points all praise toward other players.

When asked about making plays throughout fall camp, he said he was simply in the right place at the right time. He added that the pressure provided by the defensive line makes his job easy.

Ever since he stepped on campus, Watson said he has felt like part of the program.

“They’ve shown me the reins,” he said. “They’ve told me, ‘If you’re going to be here, you’re going to be able to contribute.’ ”

Watching from a distance, Watson’s success is enough to bring tears to Bourgette’s eyes. The longtime high school coach said Watson is “like a son” and uses him as an example for the players on the Lancers’ roster.

The more plays Watson makes, the closer he gets to a starting spot -- the closer he gets to a scholarship.

Watson, though, isn’t worried about the future. He is making sure highly-touted teammates like Williams know it’s not going to be easy when they line up on Watson’s side of the field.

“That’s not something I’m really focusing on right now,” Watson said. “I’m more focusing on the aspect of preparing for San Diego State. A scholarship will come when it’s supposed to come.”