Washington Huskies

SEATTLE -- Washington needed a late push to land its 2012 recruiting class into the top 25 nationally.

After securing safety Shaq Thompson (Sacramento, Calif./Grant) right before signing day, the Huskies were able to finish with a class rated No. 23 in the nation.

Led by Thompson, who was rated the nation’s No. 16 prospect in the ESPN 150, the class featured four, four-star recruits and 15 three-star recruits.

With Washington nine games into its season, here is a look at who is playing, who is redshirting and who is grayshirting.

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It has to be unsettling for Steve Sarkisian, Justin Wilcox, Bishop Sankey and everyone else who rocks the purple and gold. Each game day they wake up and hope that team shows up; the one that is resilient, tough-minded, physical and plays with a bit of nastiness. But inconsistencies throughout Washington’s 4-4 season have left all of the above questioning exactly which team would show up each week.

Eight games into the season, the personality of the 2012 Washington Huskies is yet to be defined.

“The personality is we’ve been schizophrenic,” said Wilcox, Washington’s defensive coordinator. “Consistency on our part has to improve. We have to continue to find the reasons why. But that’s something that’s shown up every week. Speaking from our side of the ball, we’ve played better against certain styles of teams. But at the end of the day it’s confidence in your technique and scheme and abilities.”

Saturday night at CenturyLink Field -- that team showed up; the one that punches first and asks questions later; the one that dictates and isn’t dictated to. And for the second time this year the Huskies knocked off a top-10 team by topping the No. 7 Oregon State Beavers 20-17 -- prompting another field-storming from the fan base. In fact, it was one month ago to the day that the Huskies stunned No. 8 Stanford 17-13.

But that game also marked the last time they had picked up a victory. A three-game skid followed, including losses to ranked Oregon and USC and blowout loss last week at Arizona. On the south side of .500 and needing to inspire his team, Sarkisian got back to some basics in practice last week with some physical hitting drills usually reserved for fall camp.

“We needed [a victory] for our own well-being,” he said. “It wasn’t so much about the record, it was for what’s inside of us. Pride is a powerful thing. You earn pride. It’s not given. We earned it tonight.”

Moving forward, slowly but surely, Sarkisian said his team’s identity is starting to take shape. And Saturday night was a big step forward.

“I don’t doubt our toughness,” he said. “What I’m figuring out week after week is the maturity level. Which of our young players is growing up each week? A guy like Jaydon Mickens made a couple of plays and started to grow up. I’ve seen Kendyl Taylor start to grow up. Each week I feel like we’re getting one more guy and one more guy. That’s all going to help shape our personality. Until then, we’re going to continue to be a blue-collar, lunch-pail, hard-hat kind of team. And that’s OK. You can win that way. It just makes it a little harder.”

And Saturday wasn’t easy. Sankey rushed for 92 yards and a pair of touchdowns against one of the top rushing defenses in the country while the defense intercepted Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion four times.

“I feel like we have our own personality,” Sankey said. “We’re continuing to develop that. This past week we had to get down to the nitty-gritty. We’re making strides each day, each week. This past week was a big week for us in getting back to the basics -- working hard and hitting. It paid off tonight.”

When points were at a premium, the Huskies held a 10-0 advantage at halftime following a 45-yard field goal from Travis Coons and a 1-yard touchdown run from Sankey. It was the first time this year that Oregon State (6-1, 4-1 Pac-12) had been blanked in the first half.

“We couldn’t get anything going in the first half and we turned the ball over, so it was a two-fold problem,” Oregon State coach Mike Riley said. “Then we moved the ball [in the second half] and we still turned it over.”

This was Mannion’s first game back since having minor knee surgery three weeks ago. And he didn’t look good, completing 18 of 34 passes for 221 yards with one touchdown and four picks. Prior to this game, he had four interceptions for the season.

“I think [turnovers] probably will be the thing we regret the most,” Riley said. “Having the ball with some opportunities and turning the ball back to them when we had scoring opportunities. As you can see in a game like that, even if one of those opportunities, if one or two would have turned into field goals, it makes a big difference.”

It didn't help, either, that Markus Wheaton was knocked out of the game after taking a hard hit in the second quarter. Fellow receiver Brandin Cooks turned in another sensational performance, catching nine balls for 123 yards with a score.

Mannion was eventually replaced in the fourth quarter by Cody Vaz -- who had led the Beavers to a pair of victories during Mannion’s rehabilitation. Vaz sparked the offense with a seven-play, 76-yard drive that ended with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Connor Hamlett that tied the game at 17-17.

But the Huskies moved the ball to the Oregon State 12 and Coons converted a 30-yard field goal with 1:20 left in the game.

Washington’s offensive struggles also continued. The Huskies were outgained 427-293 in total yards. Quarterback Keith Price was 18-of-30 for 194 yards with an interception. But winning the turnover battle by a 4-to-1 margin helps.

“At the end of the day, I don’t know how pretty it was,” Sarkisian said. “We had some penalties and things; that’s a good football team, obviously, in Oregon State. I was proud of the character our guys possessed, their ability to preserve with the game could have really started swaying in Oregon State’s favor when they notched it up at 10-10. But our defense continually came up with stops.”

With four consecutive games coming up against unranked teams, it stands to reason that the Huskies could probably end the year on a five-game win streak.

But then again, no one really knows for sure.

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.

SEATTLE -- It was something Kevin Smith had done 100 times before.

The receiver was going through Washington’s first practice in San Antonio as the Huskies prepared for last year’s Alamo Bowl when, all of a sudden, his knee gave way.

“That one time it just happened,” Smith said.

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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

 

• 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 -- There were moments last season when Derrick Brown felt like he was deciphering a lost language.

“I was like, man, I’m never going to get this,” the quarterback said.

While watching film, Washington coach Steve Sarkisian would ask the freshman to identify a defensive coverage. He was forced to admit, “I don’t know.”

An all-around talent coming out of Murrieta (Calif.) Vista Murrieta, Brown felt like an athlete trying to play quarterback. Now, after a redshirt year spent buried in the Huskies’ playbook, Brown feels comfortable. When Sarkisian asks him to dissect a defense, he has an answer.

“This year, I’m more seasoned,” he said. “I feel like a real quarterback now.”

More than two weeks into fall camp, comfort has produced confidence. That belief in his ability has produced productive performances.

“Derrick, progressively, has gotten better and better and better,” Sarkisian said. “He’s throwing the ball with more conviction. The belief in what he’s seeing, what he’s reading is there and [he’s] trusting it. In turn, he’s playing more confidently.”

The 6-foot-2, 245-pound redshirt freshman fired a pass Monday that traveled about 60 yards in the air before landing in the cradled arms of receiver Cody Bruns. One day later he found freshman Kendyl Taylor on a deep route.

He has shown how far he’s come by making plays in practice.

“Things are getting better,” Brown said. “I’m feeling better. I’m feeling more comfortable with the guys. I’m feeling more comfortable with the offense. I know my stuff now.”

Brown has been getting a bulk of the snaps with the second-team offense recently, but he knows he needs to continue earning opportunities if he wants to be Keith Price’s backup.

“Nothing is really set in stone,” Brown said. “I’m not the No. 2 guy for sure. I’m just trying to come out here and work hard every day and earn that spot.”

As the Huskies prepare for their season opener against San Diego State on Sept. 1 at CenturyLink Field, Brown said consistency is key for him to take the next step in his development.

“Some days, I come out here and have a great day,” he said. “Some days, I’ll come out here and have not so good of a day. I’ve just got to be consistent each and every day. And not just each and every day, but each and every period -- whatever I’m doing, just be consistent.”

At the start of fall camp, a lot of the conversation surrounded highly-touted freshmen Cyler Miles (Denver, Colo./Mullen) and Jeff Lindquist (Mercer Island, Wash./Mercer Island). That didn’t bother Brown.

“I knew they were coming in highly touted guys,” he said. “I didn’t really pay too much attention to that. I just try to do me, get better each and every day.”

While Washington wants to keep Price on the field for the full season, Brown is prepared to play if needed.

“If something were to happen, I just want to go in there, not lose a step and help my team win any way possible,” Brown said.

Until his name is called, “I’m just looking up, not looking down,” Brown said.

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.

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SEATTLE -- Washington gave its young players an extended chance to prove they can play in a simulated Saturday setting during the Huskies' eighth day of fall camp Tuesday afternoon.

The offense lined up on one side of the field, with the defense on the other. The coaching staff sent the players out on the field and let them make decisions.

The Huskies scrimmaged for a majority of practice, providing a chance for the coaching staff to assess where the team is and where it is headed.

“This was the first time we let them go out on the field and have to play, without a coach in their ear telling them what to do, without being able to look at a script to see what might be coming,” Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said.

Sarkisian said the end result was “pretty good.”

The offense spent too much time in the huddle and some of the young players on defense struggled with communication, but Sarkisian was encouraged. Any issue can be addressed and fixed.

“I didn’t see something glaring where, jeez, we’re playing the wrong guy at the wrong spot,” Sarkisian said. “It’s about being confident. It’s about doing what you’ve been prepared to do throughout camp. We’ve got to go look at this thing and then point out those errors, those mistakes that are definitely correctable.”

The practice was an opportunity to put freshmen like cornerback Brandon Beaver and receivers Jaydon Mickens and Kendyl Taylor in similar situations to the ones they will see on Saturdays.

Sometimes they succeeded -- Taylor caught a 35-yard touchdown from quarterback Keith Price. Sometimes they didn’t -- receiver Marvin Hall beat Beaver deep, catching a 45-yard touchdown pass from freshman quarterback Cyler Miles.

Sarkisian said he sees progress from the offense and defense, a significant improvement since spring practice. But there is still plenty to improve on.

“I thought there was plenty of good things out there, but I know we can be better,” Sarkisian said.

Price provided the play of the day, hitting on a 47-yard scoring strike. Safety Sean Parker picked off Price and linebacker John Timu provided a welcome-to-college hit on running back Erich Wilson II.

But both Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox see room for improvement.

“We’ve got a long way to go,” Wilcox said. “There were way too many mistakes today. We showed some good things. There were obviously some bad things.”

Quotable

When asked about Taylor and Mickens, Sarkisian said, “They’ve both had great camps. I feel like I talk about them every day. Again, they are going to have probably a handful of plays they want back from today as well, but that’s all part of putting them in the same situation and letting them play.”

Notes

• Safeties Justin Glenn and Shaq Thompson missed a second day with mild concussions, but there were no new significant injuries.

• Miles continues to make a case for securing the backup quarterback spot as a freshman, tossing a pair of touchdowns.