Washington Huskies: Washington Huskies football
14 for '14: Names to know on defense 
September, 18, 2012
9/18/12
8:00
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Since Steve Sarkisian took over as Washington’s head coach, the Huskies have done a good job attracting talented offensive weapons.
From quarterback Keith Price to tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, the program has prolific playmakers at skill positions.
However, to take the next step and join the nation’s elite, Washington has to make its defense a priority. And whether it was hiring Justin Wilcox (defensive coordinator) and Peter Sirmon (linebackers) or signing blue-chip safety Shaq Thompson, the Huskies have taken steps toward preventing points.
From quarterback Keith Price to tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, the program has prolific playmakers at skill positions.
However, to take the next step and join the nation’s elite, Washington has to make its defense a priority. And whether it was hiring Justin Wilcox (defensive coordinator) and Peter Sirmon (linebackers) or signing blue-chip safety Shaq Thompson, the Huskies have taken steps toward preventing points.
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Watch: State of stadium construction
August, 26, 2012
8/26/12
3:19
PM PT
By HuskyNation staff | ESPN.com
Mason Kelley from HuskyNation gives some insight on the current state of construction on the new Washington stadium.
WR Cody Bruns 'the old guy in the room'
August, 11, 2012
8/11/12
11:07
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE – Kasen Williams needed a place to stay.
Washington’s talented young receiver wanted to spend the summer training with teammates. All he needed was a couch to crash on. He found a futon in Cody Bruns’ living room.
Whether it was history lessons or training sessions, Williams learned a lot from the 5-foot-11, 183-pound receiver.
“It was cool, because Cody is an older guy on the team and he’s been through so much,” said Williams, a sophomore. “He came here and his first year they went 0-12. He kind of gave me a lot of history on how it was. He’s a Washington guy, too, so we get along really well.”
Bruns taught Williams about work ethic. He shared tips about taking the next step as a Division I receiver. He shared the leadership skills acquired over a college career.
“He’s been in that situation before and he knows what it takes,” Williams said.
Because of the lessons learned this summer, Williams had no problem sleeping on that futon.
For Bruns, helping out younger players is just part of being “the old guy in the room.”
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Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesYounger teammates say Huskies WR Cody Bruns helps them see their early struggles aren't unique.
Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesYounger teammates say Huskies WR Cody Bruns helps them see their early struggles aren't unique.Whether it was history lessons or training sessions, Williams learned a lot from the 5-foot-11, 183-pound receiver.
“It was cool, because Cody is an older guy on the team and he’s been through so much,” said Williams, a sophomore. “He came here and his first year they went 0-12. He kind of gave me a lot of history on how it was. He’s a Washington guy, too, so we get along really well.”
Bruns taught Williams about work ethic. He shared tips about taking the next step as a Division I receiver. He shared the leadership skills acquired over a college career.
“He’s been in that situation before and he knows what it takes,” Williams said.
Because of the lessons learned this summer, Williams had no problem sleeping on that futon.
For Bruns, helping out younger players is just part of being “the old guy in the room.”
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.