Washington Huskies: Nate Fellner
When Steve Sarkisian was brought in as Washington’s head coach, he had less than two months to put together the Huskies' 2009 recruiting class.
Hired on Dec. 8, Sarkisian went to work piling up prospects. Considering the limited time he had to assemble the group, he did well.
Hired on Dec. 8, Sarkisian went to work piling up prospects. Considering the limited time he had to assemble the group, he did well.
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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.
A look at Washington's fifth practice
August, 10, 2012
8/10/12
7:30
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- Here is a quick-hitting look at Washington’s fifth day of fall camp.
Young linebackers get opportunity
With injuries mounting over the first week of fall camp at the linebacker position, young players are getting an opportunity to show what they can do.
Washington coach Steve Sarkisian mentioned Jamaal Kearse, Scott Lawyer, Cory Littleton and Evan Zeger as players who saw more snaps Friday.
“I think they embrace it,” Sarkisian said. “We talked about it last night as a team that, as one guys goes down, the reason we recruited those guys is to come here and play. I think they’re working at it. Just like a lot of young guys, you make some plays and you have some plays you’d like to have back.”
Injury report
After leaving practice on a cart Thursday, his foot wrapped in ice, linebacker Nate Fellner learned later he had broken the fifth metatarsal in his foot.
Sarkisian said there is no ligament damage, but the senior is expected to miss about four weeks.
Receiver James Johnson is day-to-day with a sprained foot and linebacker Princeton Fuimaono is dealing with a hamstring injury the Huskies are going to “monitor very closely.”
“We don’t want that thing to linger all year long,” Sarkisian said said. “We’re going to get him healthy.”
Young receivers making an impression
Freshmen receivers Jaydon Mickens (Los Angeles, Calif./Dorsey) and Kendyl Taylor (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton) have taken turns making plays all week.
Like all freshmen, there have been struggles, but Sarkisian singled them out as players who have performed well so far.
“They’ve been impressive,” he said.
Freshmen link up for touchdown
Jeff Lindquist (Mercer Island, Wash./Mercer Island) rolled to his right and fired a 40-yard pass toward the end zone. The ball was underthrown, but receiver Marvin Hall (Los Angeles, Calif./Dorsey) made a nice adjustment.
He fought through a defensive back and hauled in the touchdown pass.
Linebacker gives up the game
Junior Garret Gilliland has decided to retire from football, Sarkisian announced.
Because it was the linebacker’s decision to leave the program, he will not retain his scholarship.
“If he retires, he retires,” Sarkisian said. “That’s his choice. We want him to play football and he doesn’t want to. It’s unfortunate.”
Quotable
When asked about the energy building throughout practice, Sarkisian said, “Our guys understand the competition as it builds and they look forward to the competition. That’s what makes our guys special to me, because they embrace those opportunities to battle and compete with one another, but do it with respect. They did that today.”
-- Offensive line coach Dan Cozzetto missed Friday’s practice. Sarkisian described it as a “personal issue.”
Young linebackers get opportunity
With injuries mounting over the first week of fall camp at the linebacker position, young players are getting an opportunity to show what they can do.
Washington coach Steve Sarkisian mentioned Jamaal Kearse, Scott Lawyer, Cory Littleton and Evan Zeger as players who saw more snaps Friday.
“I think they embrace it,” Sarkisian said. “We talked about it last night as a team that, as one guys goes down, the reason we recruited those guys is to come here and play. I think they’re working at it. Just like a lot of young guys, you make some plays and you have some plays you’d like to have back.”
Injury report
After leaving practice on a cart Thursday, his foot wrapped in ice, linebacker Nate Fellner learned later he had broken the fifth metatarsal in his foot.
Sarkisian said there is no ligament damage, but the senior is expected to miss about four weeks.
Receiver James Johnson is day-to-day with a sprained foot and linebacker Princeton Fuimaono is dealing with a hamstring injury the Huskies are going to “monitor very closely.”
“We don’t want that thing to linger all year long,” Sarkisian said said. “We’re going to get him healthy.”
Young receivers making an impression
Freshmen receivers Jaydon Mickens (Los Angeles, Calif./Dorsey) and Kendyl Taylor (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton) have taken turns making plays all week.
Like all freshmen, there have been struggles, but Sarkisian singled them out as players who have performed well so far.
“They’ve been impressive,” he said.
Freshmen link up for touchdown
Jeff Lindquist (Mercer Island, Wash./Mercer Island) rolled to his right and fired a 40-yard pass toward the end zone. The ball was underthrown, but receiver Marvin Hall (Los Angeles, Calif./Dorsey) made a nice adjustment.
He fought through a defensive back and hauled in the touchdown pass.
Linebacker gives up the game
Junior Garret Gilliland has decided to retire from football, Sarkisian announced.
Because it was the linebacker’s decision to leave the program, he will not retain his scholarship.
“If he retires, he retires,” Sarkisian said. “That’s his choice. We want him to play football and he doesn’t want to. It’s unfortunate.”
Quotable
When asked about the energy building throughout practice, Sarkisian said, “Our guys understand the competition as it builds and they look forward to the competition. That’s what makes our guys special to me, because they embrace those opportunities to battle and compete with one another, but do it with respect. They did that today.”
-- Offensive line coach Dan Cozzetto missed Friday’s practice. Sarkisian described it as a “personal issue.”
A look at Washington's fourth practice
August, 9, 2012
8/09/12
7:48
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- Here is a quick-hitting look at Washington’s fourth day of fall camp.
Cooper still smiling
One day after learning he had suffered a third season-ending ACL injury, running back Deontae Cooper was back on the field with his teammates.
His season was over before it had a chance to get started for the third year in a row – but he was still smiling.
“He’s just an absolute stud,” Sarkisian said. “He was, obviously, shook up, like anyone would be, but you just see that guy’s will inside, why he’s so unique and special and why people love him so much – he’s back out here today with a smile on his face.”
When Cooper saw Sarkisian, he had a simple message.
“Coach, I’ll be back,” he said.
When Sarkisian first heard the news, his reaction was, “How could it happen again?” He broke the news to his team after Wednesday’s practice, setting a somber tone to the Huskies’ post-practice meeting.
“It was hard as a team, because you get attached to people as a program and as a family,” said Sarkisian, who added this is the first time he’s seen three ACL injuries to one player. “You see a guy with Deontae, the work ethic that he has, his ability to persevere, not only through one ACL, but he comes all the way back and then another. He had himself in great shape, ready to go. It’s extremely difficult.”
If there is a player capable of returning from a third ACL injury, Sarkisian is confident it is Cooper.
“I don’t know if there’s anybody that will handle it better than Deontae will,” Sarkisian said.
With Cooper looking on, the Huskies went back to work Thursday.
“We’re here to work,” running backs coach Joel Thomas said. “There’s no doubt about it. The thing that we do all realize is that injuries are part of the game. It’s a brotherhood that we have through the group. We talk about taking care of him and making sure we’re there for him, but they’re here to work. They got better today.”
Recruiting update
Washington commit Daeshon Hall spent the afternoon at practice. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound defensive end was one of seven players to give Washington verbal commitments on June 29.
He spent his first two seasons at Seattle (Wash.) Garfield before transferring to Lancaster (Texas) as a junior.
Injury issues
Sarkisian called them “fluke” injuries.
Through four days of practice the Huskies have suffered several injuries during drills with very little contact.
Receiver James Johnson sprained his foot. Defensive end Hau'oli Jamora sprained his knee. Linebacker Nate Fellner suffered a foot injury.
“Some stuff is obvious, when you see the big collision or a guy getting pulled down in an awkward way,” Sarkisian said. “We’ve just had some bad luck. The good thing is, I think we’ve finally got a roster with the depth where we can withstand some of these injuries.”
Jamora will have an arthroscopic procedure as a precaution. He is expected to miss about two weeks.
“I would rather him miss two weeks now than down the road it affect him for the season,” Sarkisian said.
Walk-on cornerback making plays
Tre Watson keeps making plays.
The 5-foot-9, 183-pound walk-on junior corner back has been impressive throughout the first week of fall camp.
“He’s a scrappy guy,” Sarkisian said. “He’s got a very high football IQ. He has a knack for understanding where the ball is going to go. Even when a guy is catching the ball, he has a unique understanding of where the ball is going to go to the tuck and he gets in there and finds a way to punch it out.”
No more “dumb penalties”
For the second day in a row, Sarkisian was forced to send a message about “dumb penalties.”
After some extra pushing and shoving between running back Willis Wilson and corner back Desmond Trufant at the end of a play, safety Sean Parker knocked Wilson down.
It happened out of bounds, well after the play was over.
“What bothered me about Sean’s deal today, that was a huge point of emphasis after yesterday’s practice and last night’s meeting,” Sarkisian said. “To come out today, his emotions got the better of him. That’s not OK. That’s a selfish move.”
Cooper still smiling
One day after learning he had suffered a third season-ending ACL injury, running back Deontae Cooper was back on the field with his teammates.
His season was over before it had a chance to get started for the third year in a row – but he was still smiling.
“He’s just an absolute stud,” Sarkisian said. “He was, obviously, shook up, like anyone would be, but you just see that guy’s will inside, why he’s so unique and special and why people love him so much – he’s back out here today with a smile on his face.”
When Cooper saw Sarkisian, he had a simple message.
Tom HauckDeontae Cooper was on the practice field a day after tearing his ACL.
When Sarkisian first heard the news, his reaction was, “How could it happen again?” He broke the news to his team after Wednesday’s practice, setting a somber tone to the Huskies’ post-practice meeting.
“It was hard as a team, because you get attached to people as a program and as a family,” said Sarkisian, who added this is the first time he’s seen three ACL injuries to one player. “You see a guy with Deontae, the work ethic that he has, his ability to persevere, not only through one ACL, but he comes all the way back and then another. He had himself in great shape, ready to go. It’s extremely difficult.”
If there is a player capable of returning from a third ACL injury, Sarkisian is confident it is Cooper.
“I don’t know if there’s anybody that will handle it better than Deontae will,” Sarkisian said.
With Cooper looking on, the Huskies went back to work Thursday.
“We’re here to work,” running backs coach Joel Thomas said. “There’s no doubt about it. The thing that we do all realize is that injuries are part of the game. It’s a brotherhood that we have through the group. We talk about taking care of him and making sure we’re there for him, but they’re here to work. They got better today.”
Recruiting update
Washington commit Daeshon Hall spent the afternoon at practice. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound defensive end was one of seven players to give Washington verbal commitments on June 29.
He spent his first two seasons at Seattle (Wash.) Garfield before transferring to Lancaster (Texas) as a junior.
Injury issues
Sarkisian called them “fluke” injuries.
Through four days of practice the Huskies have suffered several injuries during drills with very little contact.
Receiver James Johnson sprained his foot. Defensive end Hau'oli Jamora sprained his knee. Linebacker Nate Fellner suffered a foot injury.
“Some stuff is obvious, when you see the big collision or a guy getting pulled down in an awkward way,” Sarkisian said. “We’ve just had some bad luck. The good thing is, I think we’ve finally got a roster with the depth where we can withstand some of these injuries.”
Jamora will have an arthroscopic procedure as a precaution. He is expected to miss about two weeks.
“I would rather him miss two weeks now than down the road it affect him for the season,” Sarkisian said.
Walk-on cornerback making plays
Tre Watson keeps making plays.
The 5-foot-9, 183-pound walk-on junior corner back has been impressive throughout the first week of fall camp.
“He’s a scrappy guy,” Sarkisian said. “He’s got a very high football IQ. He has a knack for understanding where the ball is going to go. Even when a guy is catching the ball, he has a unique understanding of where the ball is going to go to the tuck and he gets in there and finds a way to punch it out.”
No more “dumb penalties”
For the second day in a row, Sarkisian was forced to send a message about “dumb penalties.”
After some extra pushing and shoving between running back Willis Wilson and corner back Desmond Trufant at the end of a play, safety Sean Parker knocked Wilson down.
It happened out of bounds, well after the play was over.
“What bothered me about Sean’s deal today, that was a huge point of emphasis after yesterday’s practice and last night’s meeting,” Sarkisian said. “To come out today, his emotions got the better of him. That’s not OK. That’s a selfish move.”
SEATTLE -- Here is a quick-hitting look at Washington’s third day of fall camp.
Recruiting update
Junior college offensive lineman Nic Purcell, who is set to begin his second season at Golden West Community College in Huntington Beach, Calif., spent a second day watching Washington’s practice, getting to see the Huskies put on shoulder pads for this first time this season.
A ‘teachable moment’
Quarterback Keith Price dropped back to pass. With the pocket collapsing, he tried to make a play. He held onto the ball too long.
When the play was over, he heard about his mistake from Washington coach Steve Sarkisian. It was a “teachable moment,” a chance in camp to emphasize a point that the Huskies want to minimize sacks and reduce unnecessary hits.
Sarkisian knows that, when games start, instincts take over. It’s better to press the point early in camp.
“Keith has a unique ability to extend plays,” Sarkisian said. “We all know that. We saw it for a season last year. But he also had some plays where he tried to extend too long and put us in some tough situations.”
While he learns lessons in camp, Price joked that he endured a few hard hits that helped hammer the point home last season.
“When you get hit a couple of times, get nicked up a couple times, you start to understand that,” Price said.
“A lot of quarterbacks have that issue, just trying to make a play. Sometimes you just have to be able to burn the ball and just live to see another play.”
Managing intensity
Sarkisian said he doesn’t want to take away linebacker Nate Fellner's “stinger.”
At the same time, though, he won’t tolerate late hits and avoidable penalties. After a late hit on Day 3, Feller heard about the mistake.
“He’s a physical player,” Sarkisian said. “We love that about him. That’s why we moved him to linebacker. But dumb penalties are dumb penalties. We have to eliminate them.”
Freshman QB Cyler Miles shows impressive poise
The third day of fall camp is always one of the most difficult for young quarterbacks.
In addition to learning the offense at an accelerated pace, they put their pads on for the first time. The intensity elevates. When the team works on its red zone offense, the field shrinks. Open passing windows close quickly. The pressure mounts.
Faced with that situation Wednesday, freshman Cyler Miles handled it well. He connected with Cody Bruns and Josh Perkins for touchdowns, making an early impression on Sarkisian.
“Cyler did some things today that were pretty impressive,” Sarkisian said. “I think he shows a great deal of composure for a young guy.”
WR Cody Bruns does it all
One of the most consistent players throughout the first three days of camp has been receiver Cody Bruns.
In addition to catching passes, he threw for a touchdown. Sarkisian joked that he could probably put the 5-foot-11, 183-pound senior on the offensive line and he would still make plays. He even went so far to compare Bruns to former Major League baseball player Steve Lyons.
“You’d look up, he’s at first,” Sarkisian said. “He’s in right field. He’d get on the mound and pitch. And that’s how Cody feels to me. He just kind of does cool stuff that, for us, is fun because we can put him in spots and trust him.”
Kicker Travis Coons shows off big leg
One of the bigger questions facing Washington coming into fall was who would step into the void filled by the graduation of kicker Erik Folk.
Junior college transfer Travis Coons made a case for the job after drilling a 53-yard field goal Wednesday.
“Travis had a great day today,” Sarkisian said.
Recruiting update
Junior college offensive lineman Nic Purcell, who is set to begin his second season at Golden West Community College in Huntington Beach, Calif., spent a second day watching Washington’s practice, getting to see the Huskies put on shoulder pads for this first time this season.
A ‘teachable moment’
Quarterback Keith Price dropped back to pass. With the pocket collapsing, he tried to make a play. He held onto the ball too long.
When the play was over, he heard about his mistake from Washington coach Steve Sarkisian. It was a “teachable moment,” a chance in camp to emphasize a point that the Huskies want to minimize sacks and reduce unnecessary hits.
Sarkisian knows that, when games start, instincts take over. It’s better to press the point early in camp.
“Keith has a unique ability to extend plays,” Sarkisian said. “We all know that. We saw it for a season last year. But he also had some plays where he tried to extend too long and put us in some tough situations.”
While he learns lessons in camp, Price joked that he endured a few hard hits that helped hammer the point home last season.
“When you get hit a couple of times, get nicked up a couple times, you start to understand that,” Price said.
“A lot of quarterbacks have that issue, just trying to make a play. Sometimes you just have to be able to burn the ball and just live to see another play.”
Managing intensity
Sarkisian said he doesn’t want to take away linebacker Nate Fellner's “stinger.”
At the same time, though, he won’t tolerate late hits and avoidable penalties. After a late hit on Day 3, Feller heard about the mistake.
“He’s a physical player,” Sarkisian said. “We love that about him. That’s why we moved him to linebacker. But dumb penalties are dumb penalties. We have to eliminate them.”
Freshman QB Cyler Miles shows impressive poise
The third day of fall camp is always one of the most difficult for young quarterbacks.
In addition to learning the offense at an accelerated pace, they put their pads on for the first time. The intensity elevates. When the team works on its red zone offense, the field shrinks. Open passing windows close quickly. The pressure mounts.
Faced with that situation Wednesday, freshman Cyler Miles handled it well. He connected with Cody Bruns and Josh Perkins for touchdowns, making an early impression on Sarkisian.
“Cyler did some things today that were pretty impressive,” Sarkisian said. “I think he shows a great deal of composure for a young guy.”
WR Cody Bruns does it all
One of the most consistent players throughout the first three days of camp has been receiver Cody Bruns.
In addition to catching passes, he threw for a touchdown. Sarkisian joked that he could probably put the 5-foot-11, 183-pound senior on the offensive line and he would still make plays. He even went so far to compare Bruns to former Major League baseball player Steve Lyons.
“You’d look up, he’s at first,” Sarkisian said. “He’s in right field. He’d get on the mound and pitch. And that’s how Cody feels to me. He just kind of does cool stuff that, for us, is fun because we can put him in spots and trust him.”
Kicker Travis Coons shows off big leg
One of the bigger questions facing Washington coming into fall was who would step into the void filled by the graduation of kicker Erik Folk.
Junior college transfer Travis Coons made a case for the job after drilling a 53-yard field goal Wednesday.
“Travis had a great day today,” Sarkisian said.