Injuries, transfers and retirement have cost the University of Washington several players with remaining eligibility since the end of last season. Here is a look at some positions that need to find help:
Quarterback
Situation: The transfer of backup Nick Montana has left UW without any experience behind starter Keith Price.
Who’s left: Redshirt freshman Derrick Brown will battle first-year freshmen Cyler Miles (from Denver) and Jeff Lindquist (Mercer Island) for the role.
Tailback
Situation: UW has two experienced players back in Jesse Callier and Bishop Sankey, but depth is a question after starter Chris Polk left early for the NFL, senior Johri Fogerson transferred to Central Washington, Deontae Cooper suffered another season-ending knee injury and former walk-on Willis Wilson got into trouble earlier this week.
Who’s left: Freshman Erich Wilson II has a line on the No. 3 job, while fullback Dezden Perry could also see time at the position. Freshman Antavius Sims, a high school quarterback, is also working at the position.
Wide receiver
Situation: This position looked just fine before this week. A wrist injury to projected starter James Johnson, and the decision to kick freshman Joshua Perkins off the team, leaves some questions.
Who’s left: Sophomore Kasen Williams looks like the go-to guy, but there isn’t much experience behind him while Johnson and Kevin Smith (knee surgery) recover from injuries. DiAndre Campbell, Cody Bruns and freshmen Jaydon Mickens and Kendyl Taylor are vying for roles.
Offensive line
Situation: Projected starting guard Colin Porter retired because of health issues, while fellow starter Colin Tanigawa is just getting back into action after suffering a knee injury last year. Erik Kohler, who has started at both tackle and guard, is currently sidelined by a dislocated kneecap.
Who’s left: James Atoe has been working at guard, while Micah Hatchie and Ben Riva appear to have settled in as the starting tackles. Stanwood High product Dexter Charles is trying to play his way into the mix as well.
Linebacker
Situation: This looked like the deepest position on the team before five linebackers suffered training camp injuries and sophomore Garret Gilliland quit the team. Converting safeties Nate Fellner, Taz Stevenson, Travis Feeney and Evan Zeger added some bodies to the mix, but injuries continue to ravage the position.
Who’s left: John Timu appears set as a starter, while defensive end Josh Shirley has also been playing at the position as kind of a hybrid pass rusher. Returning starter Princeton Fuiamaono is back after missing time with a hamstring injury, while Stevenson, Feeney and redshirt freshman Scott Lawyer have made impacts during training camp.
Safety
Situation: Projected starter Justin Glenn and star freshman Shaq Thompson were nursing concussions this week, while the mass of bodies moving to linebacker have also left UW with few options.
Who’s left: Junior Will Shamburger has been working alongside starting strong safety Sean Parker with the first team. Redshirt freshman James Sample and converted cornerback Ken Egu add depth.
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