Everett, Wash.
Published: Tuesday, November 11, 2008

UW football notes: Neuheisel expects chilly reception Saturday

By John Boyle
Herald Writer

 SEATTLE -- Rick Neuheisel isn't expecting a warm welcome when he returns to Husky Stadium Saturday, but the former Washington coach and current UCLA coach at least has a sense of humor about what promises to be an interesting week.

Neuheisel coached the Huskies from 1999-2002 before he was fired, in part, because of his involvement in an NCAA basketball tournament betting pool. Many Husky fans still hold Neuheisel responsible for the current state of Washington football, and Neuheisel is aware that not all of the focus Saturday will be on the game.

"If my family comes there will be some people clapping when I come in," he joked when asked what kind of reception he expects. "It will be what it will be. There will be some people that will be angry and look at me as the guy that caused some of the problems that exist, and there will be some people that will want to be excited about my being on the field."

Neuheisel resorted to humor again when asked if he might need extra security for Saturday's game.

"All I can tell you is the other coaches on the team have asked what I'm wearing so they make sure that they don't wear the same thing," he said.

Neuheisel's return to Husky Stadium is likely to shift the spotlight away from Tyrone Willingham for the first time in a while, something the current UW coach won't mind.

"Is that where you're pushing [the spotlight?]" Willingham asked reporters Monday. "I'm fine. That's a good thing. No, I don't think it's that big a thing. My situation is done now. Everyone knows what is going on with me. So, that's pretty much old news, I guess it's today's fishwrap. But he'll come in and he'll be directing his team. He's proven with his record he's an excellent coach. I don't know what the spotlight will be, but it'll be a football game."

A coaching candidate in town this weekend?

UCLA's defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker is viewed by many as an up-and-comer who may someday soon be hired as a head coach. Count Neuheisel among those who think his current assistant would be a good fit for Washington or another school with a coaching vacancy next season.

"I think he would be a wonderful candidate that I encourage anybody and everybody to certainly explore, because DeWayne is not only a gifted tactician with respect to defensive football, but also a good leader," Neuheisel said. "The kids rally to him and I think he's a guy that people would be making a mistake if they didn't go that extra step and find out what he's all about and realize what a good man he is."

Players of the Game: Receiver Cody Bruns, who caught two passes and completed two on trick plays, including a six-yard touchdown pass to Ronnie Fouch, earned offensive Player of the Game honors. Linebacker Mason Foster was once again named defensive Player of the Game after totaling nine tackles and a sack. Linebacker Chris Stevens, who had seven tackles, a fumble recovery and a blocked punt, shared special team honors with Ryan Perkins, who was perfect on four field goal attempts.

Terence Thomas, Cort Dennison and Adam Long were honored for their service teams play last week.

Injury update: X-rays came back negative for cornerback Vonzell McDowell, Jr., who injured his elbow late in the fourth quarter Saturday, but it is still unknown if he will be able to play. Receiver/kick returner Jordan Polk left Saturday's game with a mild concussion, but he is listed on this week's depth chart, so he should likely be ready to play.

Jake Locker update: Willingham said Monday that Jake Locker should be having surgery soon to remove the plate from his surgically repaired thumb, and added that it is still too soon to know if Locker will be able to play again this season.

"I think he's going in for surgery this week or next week -- might be next week -- to remove the plates," Willingham said. "Usually those are good signs, the healing is taking place. He should be moving and progressing forward. Whether that means he'll be able to play or not, I'm not ready to commit to. I know he'll be excited about every opportunity to get on the field, but it's still a little early for that."

Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more on UW sports, check out the Huskies blog at heraldnet.com /huskiesblog.
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