By John Sleeper
Herald Writer
SEATTLE – The possibility exists that Rich Alexis could get 20 carries for the Washington Huskies against Cal Saturday.
But UW coach Rick Neuheisel is openly questioning whether Alexis is in shape to do it.
Neuheisel said Alexis looked inappropriately winded after he carried the ball several times in a row against Idaho Saturday. Although Alexis showed up at the beginning of camp at 230 pounds (15 pounds heavier than last year), he said he wanted to bulk up to protect a surgically repaired shoulder.
Now, he says, he is at 220.
“Last year, I really didn’t play much the first couple of games like I played this year,” Alexis said. “It’s a different adjustment for me. I’ve got to play more reps early now. It’ll come to me in time, but I’m feeling fine.”
Neuheisel, however, said Alexis has lost some explosiveness.
“I don’t have any pre-designed notions of what he should weigh,” Neuheisel said. “I just want him to be as explosive as he was a year ago. I think he can be there. I saw some really good things last week and look to see more this week.”
Alexis’ role suddenly got more prominent with the injuries to starter Willie Hurst (hamstring) and backup Braxton Cleman (collarbone) against Idaho. Behind Alexis are true freshmen Chris Singleton and Ty Eriks. Neuheisel said this week that he also is toying with idea of returning Paul Arnold to tailback from his wide receiver position. Also, fullback Matthias Wilson has been taking some snaps in practice at tailback.
But the main focus is on Alexis, who ran for 740 yards last season, a UW freshman record, and averaged 6.2 yards a carry. This season, Alexis has 108 yards on 27 carries, a 4.0-yard-per-carry average.
“Personally, I don’t think I (bulked excessively),” Alexis said. “My coaches probably do. But after you’ve gone through an injury, you want to prevent it. My whole goal was to put on as much weight as possible because I take a lot of hits.”
Said Neuheisel: “As athletes improve and train, they get bigger and stronger. I just don’t want it to be at the expense of something else.”
Injury report: Of the three Huskies who injured themselves Tuesday, only corner Roc Alexander still remained Wednesday in a red jersey, which precluded him from heavy contact. He sustained a shoulder injury, but should play against Cal, Neuheisel said. Alexander did take part in pass-coverage drills, however.
Defensive tackle Larry Tripplett (back) and cornerback Omare Lowe (hamstring) both practiced Wednesday.
Reserve safety Jimmy Newell aggravated a shoulder injury and sat out of practice Wednesday.
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