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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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 -- Here is a quick-hitting look at Washington's seventh day of fall camp.

DT Potoa'e determined to earn opportunity

When Sione Potoa'e signed with Washington coming out of high school, he was widely considered a blue-chip recruit.

The 6-foot-2, 271-pound defensive tackle was one of the biggest prizes in the Washington's 2010 recruiting class.

He played in 11 games each of his first two seasons but has totaled only 13 tackles. With younger teammates pushing him for playing time, Potoa'e has found fresh fight.

"This year I feel more motivated," he said. "I'm a junior now, so I need to step up my game. All these younger guys coming in, I've got to step up my game, play in the games."

Potoa'e said he has been more receptive to coaching, which has helped his technique. Now he is working to get a "chance to make plays."

Finding a spot for Feeney

With injuries mounting among the linebackers and an abundance of talent at safety, Travis Feeney has switched positions.

As Washington's staff works to get its top 11 playmakers on the field, the 6-4, 209-pound redshirt freshman is getting a chance to earn an opportunity at linebacker.

"He fits there really nicely," coach Steve Sarkisian said. "He's long and he's rangy. We're trying to find a home for him. We'll see if it works."

Offensive line gets good news

As the Huskies prepared for fall camp, Colin Tanigawa was one of the players Sarkisian often singled out.

He talked about the left guard returning from the knee injury he suffered during the Oregon State game last year. But, while the redshirt sophomore was cleared to play at the start of camp, he slowly worked his way back into the lineup.

Tanigawa saw his most significant action of fall camp Monday, positive progress for the offensive line.

"Colin's been good," Sarkisian said. "He is getting back in the flow of it. Colin provides that nasty streak on the offensive line that we relish."

Two-way specialists

There are several players who will see time on the other side of ball in specific situations. Defensive end Pio Vatuvei fits into that category.

The 6-2, 281-pound freshman played fullback in high school and has spent some time filling that role with the Huskies.

"We've got a few packages that we think he can help us," Sarkisian said. "So far, the results are good."

Coons is comfortable

When Sarkisian talks about Travis Coons, he comments on the kicker's "tremendous" leg and ability to stay calm in tense moments.

The junior college transfer has looked better with each passing practice. He hit his first five field goals Monday before missing a pair from 59 yards out.

The Huskies put pressure on Coons during each long kick, his teammates cheering him on like it was a potential game-winning attempt. Sarkisian wants Coons to be put in situations designed to "bring out the best in him."

While he didn't make the deep kicks in the evening practice, he hammered a 55-yard field goal last week that would have been good from 60 yards out.

SEATTLE -- Washington wrapped up its seventh day of fall camp Monday and, once again, a lot of attention was paid to injuries.

The Huskies did get some good news with offensive lineman Colin Tanigawa seeing extensive time at left guard. The redshirt sophomore continues to work his way back after suffering a season-ending knee injury in the Oregon State game last season.

Linebacker Jamaal Kearse missed practice with a thigh bruise, while safeties Shaq Thompson and Justin Glenn were both out with mild concussions. After suffering a sprained knee Saturday, linebacker Thomas Tutogi is recovering faster than originally expected.

Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said receiver Kevin Smith, who is recovering from an ACL injury, saw significant action during the team’s morning practice, but he didn’t practice in the later session.

Notes:

• Defensive end Pio Vatuvei spent some time at fullback, and Sarkisian said the freshman will see time at the position specific offensive packages.

• Redshirt freshman Travis Feeney has moved from safety to linebacker. With the rash of injuries at the linebacker position, Feeney provides depth. If there is one position where the program has an abundance of athletes, it’s at safety, making for an easy move.

• Kicker Travis Coons made his first five field goals during Washington’s evening practice, making two from 38 yards out and one each from 35, 38 and 47. He missed back-to-back attempts from 59 yards out.