Washington Huskies

Unlike last year, there aren't nearly as many questions surrounding the Washington defense as the Huskies head into the final stretch before fall camp.

Last year a new scheme and new coaches were being installed, headlined by new defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox. The Huskies' defense was abysmal in 2011 -- so head coach Steve Sarkisian blew it up and started from scratch.

Now the Huskies are looking to build off of the momentum they gained in 2012 when they made huge strides in one year under Wilcox & Co.

"The numbers don't lie," Sarkisian said.

They certainly don't.

The biggest advances were in the secondary, where the Huskies jumped from 87th to 27th in pass efficiency defense, 106th to 31st in total defense, 108th to 39th in scoring defense and 116th to 23rd in pass defense. They had 17 interceptions last year compared to 10 the year before.

"Our secondary really had a very good season for us last year," Sarkisian said. "I thought Justin Wilcox, Keith Heyward, our secondary coach, really came in and did a great job. ... You look at the increase in play we had in the secondary -- our pass defense numbers, our ability to create turnovers -- I think really speaks volumes to their coaching and their ability to develop our players."


That's what Sarkisian is banking on in 2013 -- player development. More specifically, at the cornerback spot where they have to replace first-round draft pick Desmond Trufant. Sarkisian called the competition "healthy" this spring, but isn't anywhere closer to declaring anyone as the leader in the clubhouse for that starting spot. And it might end up being by-committee or which player has the hot hand that week. A few defensive backs have switched positions or spent time at safety and corner in an effort to make the defensive backfield deeper and more versatile.

With Marcus Peters, who started the final eight games opposite Trufant last season, back on one side, the competition heated up over spring between Travell Dixon and Greg Ducre. Sarkisian said that redshirt freshman Cleveland Wallace has also made a big push. Dixon is a JC transfer (once committed to Alabama) and Ducre had 15 tackles while appearing in 13 games last season.

"Desmond Trufant was a great player for us," Sarkisian said. "Anytime you have a first-round draft pick at corner it tells you the quality of player you have. But I think we've got some really capable guys that are stepping in."

If the Huskies can shore up that spot, expect the secondary to make even bigger strides in 2013. Sean Parker, who started all 13 games at safety, returns as the unquestioned leader of the secondary. Will Shamburger, who started two games last year, will see a larger role. But there's some good competition there as well. Tre Watson (who can pitch in either at corner or safety) is in the mix, and early enrollee Trevor Walker had a strong first spring. Brandon Beaver, who converted from corner to safety late last season but was limited in the spring, is also going to press for playing time.

Lots of names. But that also means lots of depth.

"We've got a good amount of talent back there," Sarkisian said. "It's about finding the right combination of those guys. For some of those guys who were redshirt players for us last year, Travell, Brandon, Cleveland, fall camp is going to be big for them. This spring was good to get the terminology and fundamentals and techniques after spending all year on the service team last year. There is a healthy competition going on back there and the end result is we're fortunate to have good depth and good coaches and we feel good about our pass defense when the fall rolls around."

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

SEATTLE -- When Washington started its 2012 campaign, one of the biggest question marks was pointed at the defense.

After giving up 777 yards and allowing 67 points during a loss to Baylor in the Alamo Bowl to end the previous season, the Huskies revamped their defensive coaching staff. Coach Steve Sarkisian entrusted Justin Wilcox with the job of pointing the program in the right direction on that side of the ball.

Washington started strong on defense in Week 1 with junior safety Will Shamburger capping a strong performance during a 21-12 win over San Diego State. In fact, after the game, quarterback Keith Price said the defense “won the game for us.”

After posting 14 points in the first quarter, the Huskies’ offense was unable to score over the final three frames. Offensive struggles allowed the Aztecs to hang around.

Then the defense delivered.

San Diego State quarterback Ryan Katz completed a pass to Colin Lockett. After an 8-yard gain, Princeton Fuimaono and Talia Crichton hit Lockett, who fumbled the ball.

Shamburger scooped it up and sprinted 44 yards for a touchdown. It was Washington’s only second-half score and essentially sealed a season-opening win.

But, as much as the turnover and touchdown helped to wrap up a victory, it was also the first step toward proving the Huskies were going to be better on defense in 2012.

“We're not going to be the defense of the past,” linebacker Travis Feeney said after the game. “We're going to step it up this year and make sure our defense is good. We're going to be on top of things, as we were today -- always yelling for the ball, always stripping, and always forcing turnovers. Turnovers win the game. That's what we did and it won us the game.”

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 -- Here is a quick-hitting look at Washington's 11th day of fall camp:

Johnson, Kearse have surgery

Receiver James Johnson had surgery on the dislocated wrist he suffered in Wednesday's practice. In addition to the dislocation, doctors found torn ligaments. The senior is expected to miss four to six weeks.

Linebacker Jamaal Kearse, who has a stress fracture in his tibia, also had surgery Friday and is expected to miss four to six weeks.

"Anytime you're dealing with bones, it is what it is," Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said.

WR Smith works his way back

Sarkisian could sense the excitement when receiver Kevin Smith got the opportunity to participate in team drills.

"Kevin is such a great spirit," Sarkisian said. "He's got such a great energy. He loves being out here. When we gave him the opportunity to get in there on some team stuff he was just excited to be out there."

The junior continues to work his way back from the ACL injury he suffered right before the Alamo Bowl last season and his progress is a positive sign with Johnson expected to miss more than a month.

But, moving forward, the Huskies will continue to be cautious.

"He's definitely on a one-a-day schedule," Sarkisian said. "He will never go on a two-a-day. We've been very encouraged by his progress to this point."

Thompson back to full strength

Freshman safety Shaq Thompson shed the yellow non-contact jersey and was back to full strength. He also made another promising play, making a one-handed interception on a tipped pass.

• The Huskies will scrimmage Saturday.
• Sarkisian said he expects senior safety Justin Glenn, who has been recovering from a mild concussion, to be back Monday.
• Sarkisian said one of the surprises through fall camp so far has been the play of safety Will Shamburger.
• Washington offensive line commit Andrew Kirkland (Portland, Ore./Jesuit) attended Friday's practice.