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.

 
ESPN's Todd McShay recently released his latest mock draft -- and there was a lot of movement involving the Pac-12 players projected to go in the first round.

And, for the first time, McShay taps into the second round. You can see the complete mock draft here .

One of the biggest movers was Oregon's Dion Jordan, whom McShay now projects to go second overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. McShay had Jordan projected as the No. 6 overall pick last month.

Jordan is the top pass-rusher in this class, but that's not all he can do. His fluidity and range in coverage are rare for a DE/OLB prospect with his length. He wouldn't be a great fit in many 4-3 defenses, but his ability to get after the passer when turned loose upfield, as well as drop into coverage from a two- or three-point stance, is ideal for the scheme new head coach Gus Bradley and defensive coordinator Bob Babich are bringing to town.

The biggest drop was California wide receiver Keenan Allen -- who was No. 12 last month and checked in at No. 25 in the latest mock. McShay has him slated for the Minnesota Vikings.

Many of the players coming off the board in this area would make sense for the Vikings, who are in something of a sweet spot late in the first round. They can sit tight and be fairly certain of getting a player who addresses a need and is nearly top-10 quality but will cost far less. In Allen's case, that means a receiver with good body control and hands who could become a very good No. 2 receiver at the next level.

Another player dropping was Utah's Star Lotulelei, who went from No. 1 overall to No. 11. It's worth noting that McShay's projection came out before Monday's Salt Lake Tribune story that after testing, Lotulelei's heart showed "no evidence of dysfunction." So expect his draft stock to trend up with this news.

Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant jumps from first-round maybe to No. 21 and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Corner is a top need for Cincinnati on the other side of the ball, and now that Trufant has verified his top-end speed his suddenness, balance and closing burst give him the look of a very good man-cover corner at the next level. Scouts I've talked to are also impressed with his professional demeanor, and the bottom line is that teams can never have enough good cover guys in today's pass-happy NFL.

Players projected for the second round include USC quarterback Matt Barkley, Stanford tight end Zach Ertz (potentially reuniting with Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco), Oregon guard Kyle Long and USC wide receiver Robert Woods.

With the NFL draft exactly one month away, the buzz is starting to heat up around several Pac-12 players -- including Washington defensive back Desmond Trufant.

The San Diego Chargers website is counting down potential draft picks each day leading up to the draft -- and Trufant might be on the Bolts' wish list, writes Ricky Henne, managing editor of Chargers.com.

Trufant already established himself as one of the premier athletes in the draft with his strong showing at the NFL scouting combine -- posting high marks in the 40-yard dash, bench press and 20-yard shuttle.

But it might be his instincts and football IQ that are attractive to the Chargers, who draft 11th overall.

Writes Henne:

According to some scouts, his best asset may be his pure football intelligence. Some players have a knack for diagramming plays and possessing natural instincts, and Trufant is such a player. He’s able to play zone, man or press coverage, and that flexibility is a major asset. Throw in a strong build (6-foot-0, 190-pounds) and elite speed and you get a player who has made a strong impression on NFL decision makers.

... Still, Trufant’s versatility and impressive overall skill set have him poised to be an early selection as one of the best cornerback prospects available this season.

In his most updated top-five player rankings, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. rates Trufant as the No. 2 cornerback in the draft behind Alabama's Dee Milliner.

A top-15 pick might seem a bit high for Trufant -- especially since he didn't start catching more buzz until after the combine. In their most recent mock drafts, both Kiper and Todd McShay have Trufant as a first-round pick. In his most recent Top 32, released last week, McShay projects Trufant as the No. 22 player -- up from No. 32.

Writes McShay:

We always liked Trufant's game. He does just about everything well, though his ball skills could be a little more consistent. His tape didn't indicate elite speed, but he was good enough at the combine. His combination of speed and arm length is impressive. Trufant has good size, and in a league starved for good cover guys, his production could move him into the first round.

Kiper has him at No. 28 to the Denver Broncos.

SEATTLE -- Marcus Trufant always saw something special in his younger brother, Desmond.

The oldest of three boys, Marcus spent enough time babysitting to know his sibling had the potential to follow in the family footsteps and become the third Trufant brother to play cornerback in the NFL.

“Growing up he’s always had something special about him,” Marcus said. “He always stood out at sports -- football, basketball, it really didn’t matter what it was. He’s doing the same now. He’s standing out and he’s doing a lot of good stuff.”

Marcus watched his younger brother work out at Washington’s pro day Wednesday. Measured at 5-foot-11.5, 192 pounds, Desmond didn’t do any weight lifting, jumping or sprints. But, wearing a pair of bright orange cleats, he did participate in some of the agility drills and individual player workouts.

Scouts from Denver, Kansas City, San Francisco, Jacksonville, Seattle and New England, among others, watched the potential first-round pick. Seeing his younger brother audition for scouts brought back memories for Marcus.

“It’s like a déjà vu feeling all over again,” he said. “I know he’s been having a blast and it’s going to keep on getting better and better, so he’s been having a lot of fun.

“It’s big. I’m excited for him. I’m proud, and he’s just really done excellent for himself with the Senior Bowl, with the combine, even during the season. He’s doing excellent and he’s setting himself perfect to make a dream come true. All he’s got to do is keep grinding and just do the right things and he’ll be all right.”

After Desmond finished his workout, he said hello to Marcus and his parents, Constance and Lloyd, before being whisked away by a pair of scouts from the Jaguars and Washington coach Steve Sarkisian. Desmond was not able to meet with the media, so his older brother filled in.

When Marcus was asked if he shared any advice with his brother, he said, “You’re a good player. You’ve got all the speed. You’ve got great footwork, so just go out there and be yourself. Be the best you.”

Fullback Jonathan Amosa, offensive lineman Drew Schaefer, defensive lineman Semisi Tokolahi, defensive back Anthony Gobern and receiver Devin Aguilar -- he graduated in 2012 -- also worked out for scouts.

SEATTLE -- Tucked toward the back of Washington’s athletic facilities is the Conibear Shellhouse.

The building houses the university’s student-athlete education center, a dining hall and is home to the Huskies’ crew team.

Built on the shore of Lake Washington, the facility features a scenic backdrop, a waterfront view Desmond Trufant has enjoyed throughout his four years as a cornerback at Washington.

Just days before the 22-year-old potential first-round NFL draft pick planned to participate in Washington’s March 13 pro day, Trufant settled into a metal chair on a deck at the back of the building.

Wearing a gray Nike sweatshirt and black sweatpants, Trufant talked about the highs and lows of a college career that went by in a blink. He talked about the pressure of proving he could play at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine. And he talked about growing up with two older brothers who paved a path for him to become the person and player he is today.

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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.

Mel Kiper Jr. has former Washington CB Desmond Trufant ticketed to an AFC contender late in the first round of next month's NFL draft.

Click here to find out where he sees Trufant landing and why.

Editor's note: Throughout the week, HuskyNation will look back at the top 5 moments of the 2012 season. Here is No. 1:

SEATTLE -- Washington needed a big play. Stanford’s Trent Murphy had just returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown to put the Huskies in a 10-point hole late in the third quarter.

On the ensuing drive, Washington faced a fourth-and-1 from its 39-yard line. If the Huskies were going to upset the eighth-ranked Cardinal, they were running out of time.

Running back Bishop Sankey sparked the rally. The sophomore took the fourth-down handoff, found a hole and sprinted 61 yards for a touchdown.

The run ended the third quarter with the Huskies trailing by a field goal. It was the first of three memorable second-half moments that helped produce the program’s signature win.

Receiver Kasen Williams provided the second moment. He capped a 65-yard drive with a 35-yard touchdown reception along the sideline. It was a short throw, and he broke a tackle just past the line of scrimmage after catching it.

Then he bobbled the ball but corralled it just before breaking a second tackle on his way to the end zone.

That play provided the go-ahead score. But it wasn’t quite enough to seal the victory.

The Cardinal got the ball back one last time and marched down the field. It wasn’t until senior cornerback Desmond Trufant picked off a pass and stepped out of bounds at the Huskies’ 8-yard-line that the celebration began.

It started slowly at first. Washington still had to run out the clock. But when time expired and the fans stormed the field, those three plays became three of the biggest moments of the season.

It was the Huskies’ first signature win -- the first of two victories over top 10 opponents in 2012.

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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SEATTLE -- The Washington Huskies pulled another stunner at CenturyLink Field over a top-10 team from the Pac-12 North. Here’s how their 20-17 upset went down:

It was over when: Washington kicker Travis Coons connected on a 30-yard field goal with 1 minute, 26 seconds left, giving the Huskies a 20-17 advantage. The Beavers were able to move to the Washington 38 but couldn’t convert on fourth-and-19 with 25 seconds left in the game.

Game ball goes to: Washington running back Bishop Sankey, who rushed for two touchdowns and 92 tough yards against one of the best run defenses in the country.

Stat of the game: 8 -- total interceptions on the season for Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion, who entered the game with four. You do the math. After the fourth, he was replaced by Cody Vaz.

Unsung hero: Washington’s Desmond Trufant led all players with 10 tackles, including nine solo stops and a tackle for a loss.

Second-guessing: Was this the right game to bring back Mannion? He looked hesitant and shaky most of the game. And while credit is due to the Washington defense for nabbing four interceptions, they were also bad throws from Mannion -- who looked much more like the 2011 Mannion than the 2012 model who had been efficient and took care of the ball.

What it means for Oregon State: The Beavers might still be in line for the Rose Bowl -- especially with USC losing today -- but they’ll take a big hit in the BCS standings for losing to an unranked team. Moving forward, do the Beavers (6-1, 4-1 Pac-12) have a quarterback controversy?

What it means for Washington: The Huskies’ Jekyll-and-Hyde season continues. The last time they won a game, it was upending a top-10 team on Sept. 27. They had gone a month between wins, but now they’ve beaten another top-10 team. The offensive struggles continue, but Washington (4-4, 2-3) is back to .500 and a decent bowl game is still within reach.