Neuheisel week kicks off

This is officially senior week for the Huskies, but the big focus all week is going to be the return of former UW coach Rick Neuheisel, who is now the head coach at UCLA.

Neuheisel had some interesting stuff to say on a conference call today, mostly emphasizing that he has fond memories of his time in Seattle, just not the way things ended. He also seemed to have a good sense of humor about things, joking that he might have people clapping for him if his family shows up, and that his assistants have asked what he will be wearing so they can wear something different.

Neuheisel’s most interesting comment came when he offered an apology to Husky fans for the way things ended.

“I just want the fans to know that I am truly sorry for the messiness of how things shook out,” he said. “Husky football is a great entity and a great program and I believe that good things are in store, and I believe that is also the case for UCLA football.”

And don’t worry, there will be plenty more on Neuheisel as the week goes on.

As for the Huskies, not a lot of big news today. The depth chart looks pretty much the same as last week’s, though Mesphin Forrester is listed as a backup at cornerback, so he may be close to a return. Jordan Polk, who suffered a minor concussion on a kick return Saturday, is again listed as the kick returner. Victor Aiyewa, who has a groin injury, is not on the depth chart, indicating he will be out again this week. Vonzell McDowell, Jr., suffered an elbow injury late in Saturday’s game, but x-rays were negative, so he might be able to play this week.

Players of the week were also named today. They were Mason Foster for defense, Cody Bruns for offense, and Chris Stevens and Ryan Perkins for special teams. Terence Thomas, Cort Dennison and Adam Long earned service teams honors.