Huskies look to replace Kikaha at "Buck’ position

  • By Christian Caple The News Tribune
  • Saturday, August 8, 2015 9:53pm
  • SportsSports

SEATTLE — The school’s career and single-season sack leader is currently plying his pass-rushing trade for the New Orleans Saints, so the Washington Huskies must use this fall camp, in part, to assign and develop the heir to Hau’oli Kikaha’s throne at ‘Buck’ linebacker.

The hybrid-linebacker-rush-end position proved to be a perfect fit for Kikaha in defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s scheme last season, when, as a fifth-year senior, he totaled 19 sacks and became the fifth unanimous All-American in school history, then landed in New Orleans as a second-round draft pick.

So it makes sense that as fifth-year senior Travis Feeney prepares to assume the ‘Buck’ position in 2015, he’s reached out to Kikaha for guidance.

“I had a couple conversations with Hau’oli,” Feeney said after the Huskies began fall camp with a two-hour practice Saturday morning at Husky Stadium. “I’m actually going to be sending him stuff to evaluate, tell me what I can do to work better at it. He has all the moves, so he can help me out.”

Kikaha, of course, was already a proven pass-rusher — he had 13 sacks in 2013 — and as a career defensive end, he seemed a logical fit for the ‘BUCK’ spot. He was also 6-foot-3 and 246 pounds. Feeney, at 6-4, 226, carries a bit of a different frame.

But he is the Huskies’ most experienced linebacker — 20 starts in three years — and one of their better athletes. A converted safety who signed with UW as a 200-pound, 2-star prospect out of Richmond, California, in 2011, Feeney ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds at the 2014 Husky Combine, and his proclivity for big hits has shown up a few times on kickoff coverage.

He’s also the only returning starter from last season’s ultra-talented front seven, four of whom are now in the NFL. Feeney started nine of UW’s 14 games in 2014 and finished the season with 60 tackles, two interceptions and a sack.

“He’s long, he’s fast, he’s explosive,” Kwiatkowski said. “So if we can get him rushing the passer and then he’s done the dropping (coverage) stuff. He should be good and be able to do all that stuff.”

Kikaha did have some coverage responsibilities, per the hybrid nature of the position. But as a former defensive back, it seems that Feeney might be better suited for those duties.

“You want to put that doubt in the offense’s mind — is he coming, or not?” Kwiatkowski said. “But definitely, you’re trying to play to guys’ strengths, for sure.”

Still, the Huskies want to use Feeney’s speed and athleticism as a pass-rushing weapon off the edge.

“I’m definitely going to be in some more coverages, and I’m still going to be rushing the quarterback, just like Hau’oli did,” Feeney said. “It’s a big step I’ve got to fix and replace, so I’m ready to take the challenge and I’m ready to go.”

Said head coach Chris Petersen: “From that ‘Buck’ position, if it’s played right, you can make a bunch of plays. So it really is an interesting position, because it’s a hybrid, and it’s probably a big outside linebacker-type of a guy, and that’s what Travis is.”

Feeney said he’s known since the spring that coaches wanted him to play ‘Buck’ this season, though he missed all of spring practice while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

Now, he’s healthy and ready, as he put it, to “get after the quarterback a little bit.”

“They told me it’s something the team needs me to do,” Feeney said, “so I just accepted it and just was willing to work and try to be the best I can at it.”

Notes

The Huskies split their roster into two groups for two different practices on Saturday — veterans at 10:30 a.m., and newcomers and younger players at 4 p.m. Quarterbacks Jeff Lindquist and K.J. Carta-Samuels practiced with the veterans, while freshman Jake Browning worked with the newcomers. … Sophomore safety Budda Baker missed practice due to illness. All other players on the roster were present. … UW resumes camp Sunday with another 10:30 a.m. practice followed by a newcomers workout at 4 p.m.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.