Washington Huskies: Jesse Callier
Take 2: The rushing champ will be?
April, 12, 2013
Apr 12
12:00
PM PT
By
Ted Miller and
Kevin Gemmell | ESPN.com
We've been talking a lot about running backs this week. There was the feature on Washington running back Bishop Sankey. Some chatter about Arizona and looking ahead to Ka'Deem Carey in 2013 and the ESPN conference-call video segment featuring a dapper Pac-12 blogger talking about the running back race at UCLA.
But with some of the league's top backs from 2012 moving on, who is going to be the rushing king of 2013?
Ted Miller: Why do I think Washington's Sankey will lead the Pac-12 in rushing in 2013? First of all, because I think Huskies quarterback Keith Price will play more like Arizona's Matt Scott in 2012 than Keith Price in 2012.
No, I don't think Price will put up spinning slot machine numbers, as Scott did. But I think the Huskies' improved passing game and more experienced offensive line will mean a more efficient Price. That will mean bigger holes for Sankey, who averaged 154.6 yards per game over the last five games of 2012, a per-game total that would have led the nation if extended over the entire season.
Don't buy it? Well, consider what Sankey did last year with Price in the dumps and the Huskies' offensive line shuffling injured players in and out. He rushed for 1,436 yards and 16 touchdowns, and his 110.7 yards per game ranked fourth in the Pac-12 and 21st in the nation.
The three backs in front of Sankey -- Arizona's Carey, Oregon's Kenjon Barner and UCLA's Johnathan Franklin -- each played for an offense that ranked in the nation's top 25. The Huskies' offense ranked 97th in the nation.
Further, Carey, the only other returning Pac-12 back with more than 1,000 yards in 2012, won't have Scott. We don't know who he will have playing quarterback, but there's been little to suggest this spring that the Wildcats will approach Scott's production at the position in the fall.
So I expect Sankey's numbers to go up and Carey's to go down. When the smoke clears, they both likely will be first-team All-Pac-12. But this go-around, Sankey will be 1A and Carey 1B.
Kevin Gemmell: Ted stole my choice! But only because as the guy going first this week, I just assumed he'd go with Carey and I'd slide right in and make all the same arguments in favor of Sankey that he just made. Sneaky, Ted. Very sneaky.
Oh well, I guess that leaves me talking about the guy who actually led all of FBS football last season -- the aforementioned Carey, who totaled 1,929 yards on the ground and a robust 6.4 yards per carry.
I don't think the offensive drop-off at Arizona is going to be as significant as Ted does. Carey certainly benefited from Scott -- but Scott also benefited from Carey. It works both ways.
Whoever wins the quarterback job at Arizona has a deep and talented wide receiver corps to throw to -- including Biletnikoff semifinalist Austin Hill and returners Johnny Jackson, Terrence Miller and Tyler Slavin, among others. This isn't an offense that is suddenly going to flatline because Scott is gone. In fact, by the very nature of the offense Arizona runs, it's likely that Sankey is going to see far more eight-man boxes than Carey. You don't sell out against the run with Hill running sluggos all day.
It's also worth noting that Sankey has to face Stanford, which had the nation's No. 5 rush defense last season, in Palo Alto. The Wildcats miss the Cardinal this season. Sankey had a big game against Stanford last season -- but when we're talking about rushing titles, one game could be the difference, and that's certainly worth considering.
Plus, Washington is hoping to have Jesse Callier back from the knee injury that initially thrust Sankey into the starting role. I'm not saying they'll be by-committee -- but a healthy Callier will certainly cut into Sankey's carries. Great for Washington. But when you're talking rushing titles, that could have a big impact.
I think the Arizona offense takes a natural step back with a new quarterback at the helm. But it's not going to be a giant leap. Carey will get his 300-plus carries again, and the Wildcats should continue to move up and down the field. And if you've got your calendars handy, the two square off Sept. 28 in Seattle. You might want to tune in for that one.
But with some of the league's top backs from 2012 moving on, who is going to be the rushing king of 2013?
Ted Miller: Why do I think Washington's Sankey will lead the Pac-12 in rushing in 2013? First of all, because I think Huskies quarterback Keith Price will play more like Arizona's Matt Scott in 2012 than Keith Price in 2012.
No, I don't think Price will put up spinning slot machine numbers, as Scott did. But I think the Huskies' improved passing game and more experienced offensive line will mean a more efficient Price. That will mean bigger holes for Sankey, who averaged 154.6 yards per game over the last five games of 2012, a per-game total that would have led the nation if extended over the entire season.
[+] Enlarge
Rick Scuteri/US PresswireArizona's Ka'Deem Carey will be trying to put up big rushing numbers with a new QB under center.
The three backs in front of Sankey -- Arizona's Carey, Oregon's Kenjon Barner and UCLA's Johnathan Franklin -- each played for an offense that ranked in the nation's top 25. The Huskies' offense ranked 97th in the nation.
Further, Carey, the only other returning Pac-12 back with more than 1,000 yards in 2012, won't have Scott. We don't know who he will have playing quarterback, but there's been little to suggest this spring that the Wildcats will approach Scott's production at the position in the fall.
So I expect Sankey's numbers to go up and Carey's to go down. When the smoke clears, they both likely will be first-team All-Pac-12. But this go-around, Sankey will be 1A and Carey 1B.
Kevin Gemmell: Ted stole my choice! But only because as the guy going first this week, I just assumed he'd go with Carey and I'd slide right in and make all the same arguments in favor of Sankey that he just made. Sneaky, Ted. Very sneaky.
Oh well, I guess that leaves me talking about the guy who actually led all of FBS football last season -- the aforementioned Carey, who totaled 1,929 yards on the ground and a robust 6.4 yards per carry.
I don't think the offensive drop-off at Arizona is going to be as significant as Ted does. Carey certainly benefited from Scott -- but Scott also benefited from Carey. It works both ways.
Whoever wins the quarterback job at Arizona has a deep and talented wide receiver corps to throw to -- including Biletnikoff semifinalist Austin Hill and returners Johnny Jackson, Terrence Miller and Tyler Slavin, among others. This isn't an offense that is suddenly going to flatline because Scott is gone. In fact, by the very nature of the offense Arizona runs, it's likely that Sankey is going to see far more eight-man boxes than Carey. You don't sell out against the run with Hill running sluggos all day.
It's also worth noting that Sankey has to face Stanford, which had the nation's No. 5 rush defense last season, in Palo Alto. The Wildcats miss the Cardinal this season. Sankey had a big game against Stanford last season -- but when we're talking about rushing titles, one game could be the difference, and that's certainly worth considering.
Plus, Washington is hoping to have Jesse Callier back from the knee injury that initially thrust Sankey into the starting role. I'm not saying they'll be by-committee -- but a healthy Callier will certainly cut into Sankey's carries. Great for Washington. But when you're talking rushing titles, that could have a big impact.
I think the Arizona offense takes a natural step back with a new quarterback at the helm. But it's not going to be a giant leap. Carey will get his 300-plus carries again, and the Wildcats should continue to move up and down the field. And if you've got your calendars handy, the two square off Sept. 28 in Seattle. You might want to tune in for that one.
SEATTLE -- When recruits make the decision to enroll early, they face a tough task.
They make a quick transition from high school to college. They trade weightlifting sessions with high school teammates for training time with players who have spent years in the system.
They go from living at home to taking care of themselves. And then, right when they start to develop a routine, spring practice starts.
“For the guys that enroll early, they don’t get that summer to get acclimated with the campus and college life and used to living on their own,” Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said. “They jump on campus and, bang, they’re plopped right into classes with every other kid on campus. They’re going to workouts with our veterans right off the start. And then they get thrown into spring practice.”
This is the challenge Washington freshmen Troy Williams and Trevor Walker face this week.
The four-star quarterback out of Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne and the three-star safety from Arlington (Texas) Mansfield Timberview started their college careers in January when they enrolled at the university. Now, after two months in Seattle, the two prospects are practicing with the Huskies.
When asked about what the freshmen face this week, Sarkisian said the biggest challenge is finding a way to keep from getting too “wide-eyed.”
“For Troy and Trevor, I would just like to see them stay composed, keep their competitive nature and not be too hard on themselves,” Sarkisian said. “They’re going to have some ups and downs in the spring. That’s all part of it.”
Williams and Walker didn’t enroll early to stand on the sidelines and watch. The recruits want to find ways to contribute early in their careers.
As a safety, Walker fills a position of need for the Huskies and will get a chance to earn a spot to play in his first season.
“He’s a natural guy who is going to have some opportunities,” Sarkisian said. “That’s why he chose to come here, for the opportunities at that position.”
Williams will be thrust directly into a quarterback competition, one of several players who will get the chance to push senior Keith Price.
The goal is for the competition in the spring and fall to get Price to the point where he can regain his sophomore form. But Williams will get his share of snaps in spring practice and fall camp.
Back in 2010, running backs Deontae Cooper and Jesse Callier enrolled early. Then in 2011, tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins decided to get a head start on his college career. After watching those players go through the experience, Sarkisian said he wants to see the freshmen maintain their composure through the good and bad.
“They’re going to have some really flashy, high-flying plays that we’re all going to want to talk about and then they’re going to have some rough days where they aren’t at their best,” Sarkisian said.
“That’s all part of the process.”
They make a quick transition from high school to college. They trade weightlifting sessions with high school teammates for training time with players who have spent years in the system.
They go from living at home to taking care of themselves. And then, right when they start to develop a routine, spring practice starts.
[+] Enlarge
Tom Hauck/ESPNHSWashington coaches will look to see if true freshman QB Troy Williams can keep his hand steady during spring practices.
This is the challenge Washington freshmen Troy Williams and Trevor Walker face this week.
The four-star quarterback out of Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne and the three-star safety from Arlington (Texas) Mansfield Timberview started their college careers in January when they enrolled at the university. Now, after two months in Seattle, the two prospects are practicing with the Huskies.
When asked about what the freshmen face this week, Sarkisian said the biggest challenge is finding a way to keep from getting too “wide-eyed.”
“For Troy and Trevor, I would just like to see them stay composed, keep their competitive nature and not be too hard on themselves,” Sarkisian said. “They’re going to have some ups and downs in the spring. That’s all part of it.”
Williams and Walker didn’t enroll early to stand on the sidelines and watch. The recruits want to find ways to contribute early in their careers.
As a safety, Walker fills a position of need for the Huskies and will get a chance to earn a spot to play in his first season.
“He’s a natural guy who is going to have some opportunities,” Sarkisian said. “That’s why he chose to come here, for the opportunities at that position.”
Williams will be thrust directly into a quarterback competition, one of several players who will get the chance to push senior Keith Price.
The goal is for the competition in the spring and fall to get Price to the point where he can regain his sophomore form. But Williams will get his share of snaps in spring practice and fall camp.
Back in 2010, running backs Deontae Cooper and Jesse Callier enrolled early. Then in 2011, tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins decided to get a head start on his college career. After watching those players go through the experience, Sarkisian said he wants to see the freshmen maintain their composure through the good and bad.
“They’re going to have some really flashy, high-flying plays that we’re all going to want to talk about and then they’re going to have some rough days where they aren’t at their best,” Sarkisian said.
“That’s all part of the process.”
Mailbag: Who will back up RB Sankey? 
February, 22, 2013
Feb 22
9:36
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- It was a quiet week at Washington.
After signing day and junior day the program took a brief break before diving into preparations for spring football, which starts March 5.
With little recruiting news on the football front, I took the time to continue catching up with recruits who attended the Huskies’ junior day. The more prospects I talk to, the more it seems like it was a very successful event for the program, creating more positive momentum for a team that just wrapped up another top 25 recruiting class.
While it was a quiet week for recruiting news, the questions keep coming in, so it is time to tackle the mailbag.
Have a question? Need an answer? Send submissions via Twitter to @MasonKelleyESPN or email MasonKelleyESPN@gmail.com.
@JT_Campos via Twitter: Who goes into spring camp and then fall camp as the Huskies' No. 2 running back?
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A program can never have enough running backs. In 2012, depth didn’t seem to be an issue for Washington at that position.
Then Deontae Cooper suffered another knee injury. Then Jesse Callier suffered a knee injury. All of a sudden, Bishop Sankey became the Huskies’ feature back.
Fortunately for the program, he had the talent to be a 1,000-yard rusher. He proved he was ready to play at a high level.
Then Deontae Cooper suffered another knee injury. Then Jesse Callier suffered a knee injury. All of a sudden, Bishop Sankey became the Huskies’ feature back.
Fortunately for the program, he had the talent to be a 1,000-yard rusher. He proved he was ready to play at a high level.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- Here are the five big storylines facing No. 3 LSU in its game against against Washington on Saturday at Tiger Stadium:
1. An early impression: It will be hard for LSU to make an impression in any other game in a light early schedule (North Texas and Idaho are the other two opponents before a Sept. 22 trip to Auburn), and UW is the only game against a BCS opponent in the Tigers' non-conference schedule.
2. Secondary tested: UW has a 3,000-yard passer in Keith Price and talented receivers in Kasen Williams and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. How will the Tigers' young secondary hold up against a potent Pac-12 attack?
1. An early impression: It will be hard for LSU to make an impression in any other game in a light early schedule (North Texas and Idaho are the other two opponents before a Sept. 22 trip to Auburn), and UW is the only game against a BCS opponent in the Tigers' non-conference schedule.
2. Secondary tested: UW has a 3,000-yard passer in Keith Price and talented receivers in Kasen Williams and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. How will the Tigers' young secondary hold up against a potent Pac-12 attack?
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SEATTLE -- Here are the five storylines facing Washington as the Huskies prepare for their trip to play No. 3 LSU in Baton Rouge, La.:
1. Protecting Price pivotal: With right tackle Ben Riva sidelined with a fractured arm, Washington's versatility is being tested at the position. Expect Erik Kohler to slide out to right tackle, while James Atoe steps in at right guard.
The Huskies could also use Mike Criste at right tackle, while keeping Kohler at guard like they did against San Diego State after Riva’s injury.
1. Protecting Price pivotal: With right tackle Ben Riva sidelined with a fractured arm, Washington's versatility is being tested at the position. Expect Erik Kohler to slide out to right tackle, while James Atoe steps in at right guard.
The Huskies could also use Mike Criste at right tackle, while keeping Kohler at guard like they did against San Diego State after Riva’s injury.
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What to watch in the Pac-12: Week 2
September, 6, 2012
9/06/12
7:15
AM PT
By
Kevin Gemmell | ESPN.com
Here are some of the storylines to keep an eye on in Week 2.
1. Who can rebound? Washington State, Cal and Colorado will all look to get in the win column this week after disappointing debuts. Each has something specific it needs to work on in Week 2. The Bears need to find a way to get off the field on third down, Colorado needs to find a running game, and Washington State needs to find a little confidence (positive rushing yards wouldn't be bad, either). And even though Stanford won last week, there was a vibe around the team that a 20-17 against San Jose State isn't going to cut it. And they are right. After this week's game against Duke, USC comes to town and then a big road trip to Washington. Cal has its big matchup with Ohio State looming as well. A lot needs to be sorted out for these four teams in Week
2. Super schedule: Some huge measuring-stick games this week against out-of-conference, BCS-conference foes (seven total). UCLA will see what they really have in Brett Hundleywhen he sees a Nebraska defense that won't be as generous as Rice. And we'll see if Arizona State and Arizona are the real deal when they take on Illinois and Oklahoma State, respectively. While it was nice to see all three win in Week 1, the big question now is whether they can all sustain it with the competition level being increased dramatically. And there are a couple more nonconference games we should mention ...
3. What about the Beavers? Mike Riley joked that so far this season feels like the training camp that would never end. As last week's game against Nicholls State was re-routed because of Hurricane Isaac, we're still not sure what we're getting with Oregon State. We know they want to run the football, and Storm Woods is the guy to do it. At question is whether they'll have success against Wisconsin. It's tough to open the year against a ranked opponent, and Riley called this one of the biggest nonconference games in school history. Also eager to see how much progress Sean Mannion has made and how OSU's passing attack led by Markus Wheaton stacks up against the Badgers. By the way, big ups to OSU, which will have volunteers from the American Red Cross at Reser Stadium to take donations that go to victims of Hurricane Isaac. Classy gesture.
4. What about the Huskies? Grrr ... the SEC. They win national championships. They dominate the rankings. Their fans come to our blog and troll with impunity. Grrr. How well will the Huskies represent the conference when they travel to Baton Rouge? Washington showed a lot of inconsistency against San Diego State, particularly on offense. And losing running back Jesse Callier for the season certainly doesn't help the situation. But when the Huskies were clicking, it was Keith Price connecting with Austin Seferian-Jenkins (nine catches, 82 yards) and Kasen Williams (six catches, 75 yards, 1 touchdown). That trio will have to have a monster game to pull off a shocker against the No. 3 team in the land.
5. Desert defense: Some interesting matchups when you look at Arizona and Arizona State's competition -- particularly at the quarterback spot. How will the Wildcats fare against Oklahoma State freshman quarterback Wes Lunt, who actually saw less field time last week than Marcus Mariota? The Sun Devils might or might not face Illinois starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, who has been out with an ankle injury. Head coach Todd Graham said they are prepping to face Scheelhasse, though there's a good chance (depending on which update you read at any particular hour) the Sun Devils could be seeing Reilly O'Toole.
1. Who can rebound? Washington State, Cal and Colorado will all look to get in the win column this week after disappointing debuts. Each has something specific it needs to work on in Week 2. The Bears need to find a way to get off the field on third down, Colorado needs to find a running game, and Washington State needs to find a little confidence (positive rushing yards wouldn't be bad, either). And even though Stanford won last week, there was a vibe around the team that a 20-17 against San Jose State isn't going to cut it. And they are right. After this week's game against Duke, USC comes to town and then a big road trip to Washington. Cal has its big matchup with Ohio State looming as well. A lot needs to be sorted out for these four teams in Week
2. Super schedule: Some huge measuring-stick games this week against out-of-conference, BCS-conference foes (seven total). UCLA will see what they really have in Brett Hundleywhen he sees a Nebraska defense that won't be as generous as Rice. And we'll see if Arizona State and Arizona are the real deal when they take on Illinois and Oklahoma State, respectively. While it was nice to see all three win in Week 1, the big question now is whether they can all sustain it with the competition level being increased dramatically. And there are a couple more nonconference games we should mention ...
3. What about the Beavers? Mike Riley joked that so far this season feels like the training camp that would never end. As last week's game against Nicholls State was re-routed because of Hurricane Isaac, we're still not sure what we're getting with Oregon State. We know they want to run the football, and Storm Woods is the guy to do it. At question is whether they'll have success against Wisconsin. It's tough to open the year against a ranked opponent, and Riley called this one of the biggest nonconference games in school history. Also eager to see how much progress Sean Mannion has made and how OSU's passing attack led by Markus Wheaton stacks up against the Badgers. By the way, big ups to OSU, which will have volunteers from the American Red Cross at Reser Stadium to take donations that go to victims of Hurricane Isaac. Classy gesture.
4. What about the Huskies? Grrr ... the SEC. They win national championships. They dominate the rankings. Their fans come to our blog and troll with impunity. Grrr. How well will the Huskies represent the conference when they travel to Baton Rouge? Washington showed a lot of inconsistency against San Diego State, particularly on offense. And losing running back Jesse Callier for the season certainly doesn't help the situation. But when the Huskies were clicking, it was Keith Price connecting with Austin Seferian-Jenkins (nine catches, 82 yards) and Kasen Williams (six catches, 75 yards, 1 touchdown). That trio will have to have a monster game to pull off a shocker against the No. 3 team in the land.
5. Desert defense: Some interesting matchups when you look at Arizona and Arizona State's competition -- particularly at the quarterback spot. How will the Wildcats fare against Oklahoma State freshman quarterback Wes Lunt, who actually saw less field time last week than Marcus Mariota? The Sun Devils might or might not face Illinois starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, who has been out with an ankle injury. Head coach Todd Graham said they are prepping to face Scheelhasse, though there's a good chance (depending on which update you read at any particular hour) the Sun Devils could be seeing Reilly O'Toole.
BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU will be without left tackle Chris Faulk when the third-ranked Tigers host Washington Saturday at Tiger Stadium because of an unspecified injury suffered this week at practice, head coach Les Miles said Wednesday.
"We don't know exactly how bad [the injury is]," Miles said. "We hope to return him to the game sometime soon. I don't know the specifics there."
Miles did not specify the nature of Faulk's injury, but he made it clear that he would miss the UW game.
"We don't know exactly how bad [the injury is]," Miles said. "We hope to return him to the game sometime soon. I don't know the specifics there."
Miles did not specify the nature of Faulk's injury, but he made it clear that he would miss the UW game.
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SEATTLE -- Washington’s defense forced three turnovers that led to two touchdowns, helping the Huskies hold off San Diego State 21-12 Saturday at CenturyLink Field.
It was over when: With 4:50 left in the game, San Diego State went for it on fourth-and-6 from the 8-yard line. Quarterback Ryan Katz’s pass fell incomplete, giving the ball back to the Huskies.
Game ball goes to: Will Shamburger. The junior safety returned a fumble 44 yards for a touchdown -- Washington’s only second-half score -- in the third quarter that gave the Huskies a 21-6 lead.
Stat of the game: Zero. After scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter, Washington’s offense was held scoreless the final three, putting pressure on its defense, which turned in a touchdown and helped the Huskies hang on.
What it means: Despite a strong start in the first quarter, the Huskies still have a lot of work to do if they plan on competing with LSU next week. While it is clear Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Kasen Williams have taken the next step as sophomores -- they combined for 15 catches for 157 yards and a touchdown -- the offense struggled for the better part of three quarters.
What we learned: The Huskies aren’t afraid to play their freshmen. Safety Shaq Thompson tallied his first tackle on the first play from scrimmage, and finished with two. Receivers Jaydon Mickens (two catches, 16 yards and three kick returns for 47 yards) and Kendyl Taylor (one catch, 6 yards) also contributed, while running back Erich Wilson II had two carries for 22 yards.
Who we should see more of: Running back Bishop Sankey. Not only did the sophomore play well, rushing for 66 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, but junior Jesse Callier suffered a right knee injury in the first quarter and didn’t return.
It was over when: With 4:50 left in the game, San Diego State went for it on fourth-and-6 from the 8-yard line. Quarterback Ryan Katz’s pass fell incomplete, giving the ball back to the Huskies.
Game ball goes to: Will Shamburger. The junior safety returned a fumble 44 yards for a touchdown -- Washington’s only second-half score -- in the third quarter that gave the Huskies a 21-6 lead.
Stat of the game: Zero. After scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter, Washington’s offense was held scoreless the final three, putting pressure on its defense, which turned in a touchdown and helped the Huskies hang on.
What it means: Despite a strong start in the first quarter, the Huskies still have a lot of work to do if they plan on competing with LSU next week. While it is clear Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Kasen Williams have taken the next step as sophomores -- they combined for 15 catches for 157 yards and a touchdown -- the offense struggled for the better part of three quarters.
What we learned: The Huskies aren’t afraid to play their freshmen. Safety Shaq Thompson tallied his first tackle on the first play from scrimmage, and finished with two. Receivers Jaydon Mickens (two catches, 16 yards and three kick returns for 47 yards) and Kendyl Taylor (one catch, 6 yards) also contributed, while running back Erich Wilson II had two carries for 22 yards.
Who we should see more of: Running back Bishop Sankey. Not only did the sophomore play well, rushing for 66 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, but junior Jesse Callier suffered a right knee injury in the first quarter and didn’t return.
The 2012 football season has arrived in Washington -- finally.
After weeks of practice, the Huskies, and high school football teams across the state, will get a good gauge of where they are at now and where they are headed.
The high school football season starts Thursday when Bellevue (Wash.) plays Euless (Texas) Trinity at Seattle Memorial Stadium. There will be a lot of Division I talent on the field when the game kicks off at 6 p.m.
After weeks of practice, the Huskies, and high school football teams across the state, will get a good gauge of where they are at now and where they are headed.
The high school football season starts Thursday when Bellevue (Wash.) plays Euless (Texas) Trinity at Seattle Memorial Stadium. There will be a lot of Division I talent on the field when the game kicks off at 6 p.m.
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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
“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.
[+] Enlarge
Steven Bisig/US PresswireHuskies junior Jesse Callier will be the starter at running back.
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.
Scrimmage leaves room for improvement
August, 18, 2012
8/18/12
7:36
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- Before Keith Price left the field, Washington’s quarterback summed up Saturday’s scrimmage with a simple sentence: “I’ve got to get my juice going.”
The Huskies wrapped up their second week of fall camp with a full-contact scrimmage that produced highlights -- a 51-yard completion from Price to freshman Jaydon Mickens -- while showing there is still plenty of room for improvement.
“We’re not ready yet,” said Price, who was 14 of 18 for 176 yards and two touchdowns. “We’ve still got a long way to go, obviously, getting lined up and getting set.”
With young players like Mickens and fellow freshman receiver Kendyl Taylor and freshman safety Shaq Thompson getting a long look, Washington is working on creating consistency.
The Huskies wrapped up their second week of fall camp with a full-contact scrimmage that produced highlights -- a 51-yard completion from Price to freshman Jaydon Mickens -- while showing there is still plenty of room for improvement.
“We’re not ready yet,” said Price, who was 14 of 18 for 176 yards and two touchdowns. “We’ve still got a long way to go, obviously, getting lined up and getting set.”
With young players like Mickens and fellow freshman receiver Kendyl Taylor and freshman safety Shaq Thompson getting a long look, Washington is working on creating consistency.
Tom HauckDeontae Cooper was a highly-touted running back recruit, but two ACL injuries have kept him sidelined. He's back for the 2012 season and hopes to make the most of his opportunity.
After back-to-back knee injuries ended his first two college football seasons before he could play a game, Cooper was back on the field as the Huskies opened fall camp. He took the time to enjoy the moment.
“I’m just ready to strap ’em on and go, ready to grind till the doctor tells me I can’t play,” Cooper said. “If I tear my ACL five more times, I’m going to keep going.”
As a highly touted freshman out of Perris (Calif.) Citrus Hill in 2010, Cooper’s first injury happened during a practice early in camp. As he worked to prepare himself for the 2011 season, he pushed himself too hard and suffered a second injury before the season started.
“We’re kind of in uncharted waters with Deontae at this point,” Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said. “He’s going to get in. We’re going to monitor him closely, but I think it’s important, not only physically, but from a mental standpoint, from a psyche standpoint, he gets into the flow of it.”
Cooper said he feels fine physically, but he now needs to regain his feel for the game after missing two full seasons. While he works his way back, teammates Jesse Callier and Bishop Sankey will compete to fill the void left by Chris Polk, who rushed for 4,049 yards at Washington, finishing No. 2 on the school’s career rushing list behind Napoleon Kaufman.
“I’m just going out there each day, trying to get better at what I do, perfecting my craft,” said Sankey, who rushed for 187 yards and a touchdown as a freshman. “I’m just trying to be the best all-around player I can be to help the team out and get done what we need to get done this season.”
Sankey said Polk took the time to teach him about patience and technique in 2011, which helped prepare him for the larger role he stepped into during spring practices.
While it remains unclear who will get the bulk of the carries as Polk’s replacement, Cooper is confident the competition will make Washington's running backs better.
“You want to compete against the best,” he said. “Chris set a standard here. We’re going to try to build off that. It’s going to be a great competition. I’m looking forward to it.”
On day one, Cooper was just happy to be healthy. Now he plans to figure out where he fits among the running backs on Washington’s roster.
“He’s running around,” Huskies quarterback Keith Price said. “He’s looking good. I can’t wait. I can’t wait until we get in pads and he can really show what he’s got.”
AP Photo/Ted S. WarrenWashington head coach Steve Sarkisian likes what he has seen from Keith Price during the offseason.
“I feel like we’re becoming a more mature football team,” said Sarkisian, who is in his fourth year as the Huskies' head coach. “I know sometimes age is the issue and we don’t have many seniors and all of those things, but I think we have experience.
“I really feel like this is a tight-knit group, probably our closest, tightest team that we’ve had where the last four classes have come in together with the sole purpose of winning a championship and have been recruited by myself and the coaches on this staff.”
Heading into the first fall practice, Sarkisian talked about the continuity that comes when players have matured under a consistent message and philosophy. He talked about the sense of urgency that comes with a young, but experienced roster he referred to as “a focused group with a purpose and maybe a little bit of a chip on their shoulders.”
He covered everything from digital playbooks to backup quarterbacks. Here is look at some of the highlights from Sarkisian’s meeting with the media:
QB Keith Price takes next step as a leader
As good as Keith Price was in his first season as Washington’s starter, Sarkisian was curious to see how his quarterback would continue to develop.
“You can go out and have a great year, but how are you going to get better?” Sarkisian said. “What are you going to do to take the next step to get better?”
After watching Price build his body – he weighs more than 200 pounds – and continue to grow as a leader, Sarkisian continues to be impressed with the passer who threw for 3,063 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2011.
“Keith has a great deal of confidence,” Sarkisian said. “He’s a tremendous leader. We’ve all seen his ability, what he brings to practice, the way he practices. Keith has put in the time and I think his teammates recognize that. He just continues to get stronger and look better and better.”
When it comes to freshmen, Washington will wait and see
When asked about his expectations for highly-touted freshman safety Shaq Thompson, Sarkisian said, “He’s here. He looks in shape. He cleared his physical.”
But, as far as the impact he will have in his first year, well, that remains to be seen.
“You’ve got to give me a couple days. I don’t know exactly what we’re getting. We’re going to put him out there in different scenarios and different situations just like all of our freshmen will.”
Freshmen defensive backs Brandon Beaver, Cleveland Wallace and Darien Washington will all get opportunities but, as Washington builds depth, there isn’t as much of a need to push players onto the field before they prove they are ready.
“I think it’s getting harder for them to get on the field, but that doesn’t mean that we’re not going to give them the opportunity to show what they can do and if they’re the best player for the spot to make us the most successful team, then they’ll earn that job,” Sarkisian said.
Battle at backup quarterback
Keith Price is the unquestioned starting quarterback at Washington, but who will emerge as the backup?
Derrick Brown, who redshirted as a freshman, will get a “pretty extensive” look, along with true freshmen Jeff Lindquist and Cyler Miles.
“We’re going to give Cyler and Jeff as much as we can, especially early, to get a gauge for where they are,” Sarkisian said. “We’re going to give them as much as we can.”
Playbook goes digital
The days of the paper playbook are a thing of the past for Washington, as Sarkisian revealed the Huskies have transferred everything over to the iPad.
“We’ve gone totally digital from a playbook standpoint,” Sarkisian said. “Everything is on the iPad now, which I know the players embrace. We’re cutting down on the big notebook, but also I think it’s something they relate to."
In addition to being able to access the playbook, players can now access film and receive messages from the coaching staff.
“This is a digital world that we’re living in and I think the players probably understand the iPads better than we do,” Sarkisian said.
Expectations elevated on offense
Whether it’s sophomores Kasen Williams and Austin Seferian-Jenkins or running backs Jesse Callier and Bishop Sankey, Sarkisian said the expectations have been elevated for some of his younger skill-position players.
“We have some players on our roster whose expectations have risen, just as our program has,” Sarkisian said. “I know the bar that we’re setting for them is higher and it’s higher from within.”
Notes:
• Running back Ryan McDaniel has yet to be completely cleared as he continues to recover from an ACL injury. Cooper Pelluer also continues recover from shoulder surgery.
• Matt Lyons, a redshirt freshman linebacker, has decided to transfer.
• Dwayne Washington, a freshman receiver, is yet to be cleared by the NCAA. His case is still being reviewed by the NCAA.
• Cory Littleton, a freshman linebacker, has been cleared by the NCAA.