SEATTLE – It’s a unit without depth and almost devoid of experience.
Still, senior tackle Khalif Barnes says the University of Washington offensive line will be better than anyone thinks.
“We’re gonna shock a lot of people,” Barnes said.
Only Barnes returns this spring with any significant starting experience. At the beginning of spring practice on April 1, the Huskies had just eight offensive linemen on scholarship.
So thin were the numbers as last season wore on that Stanley Daniels was asked (read: begged) to switch from defensive tackle to offensive guard.
Unfortunately for Washington, that change was only the beginning.
Tusi Sa’au’s back injury makes his career a question at best. Chronic knee problems ended Dan Dicks’ career. Rob Meadow (knee) will miss spring drills entirely.
It’s all meant more changes. Graham Lasee was switched from defensive end to tight end and now to offensive tackle. Tui Alailefaleula, now a senior, moves from defensive tackle to offensive tackle.
The change may be the best thing for Alailefaleula, who saw some time at defensive line in his freshman year, but has played little since.
“I thought that when he first arrived on campus, that offensive line was the position he was best suited for,” UW head coach Keith Gilbertson said. “He’s a natural, big, moving athlete, 330-some pounds. I’m hoping that this will be a positive move for him. He’s been here for three years and you really haven’t heard much of his name, other than that it fills the entire back of his jersey.”
It also means that some very young players may well see much playing time. It’s not inconceivable that true freshman Juan Garcia may get on the field, something that rarely happens at Washington. Redshirt freshmen Erik Berglund and Chad Macklin likely will see game action for the first time.
A worry? Maybe not, Daniels said.
“We, as a core, are a lot tougher than people think,” Daniels said. “We’re going to open a lot of eyes this year. Our freshman class isn’t typical. Of course, they’re learning, but they’re tough. You can tell in the weight room. Juan Garcia, Macklin, Berglund are going to be the strongest guys on the team.”
The Huskies return at least a little playing experience. Sophomore Clay Walker became a starter at weakside guard. Junior Brad Vanneman, a natural center, got playing time at tackle when Dicks went down at center, and tackle Todd Bachert moved into Dicks’ spot. Ryan Brooks, a senior, appears to be ready to start at strong tackle.
The wild card, of course, is injury.
Should any of the starters go down, the depth consists of either freshmen, converted defensive linemen, or, in backup center Brandon Leyritz’s case, a walk-on.
Further complicating matters is the fact that Charlie Dickey is the Huskies’ third line coach in three years.
“It can be difficult for them,” said Dickey, who came from Arizona after the program cleaned house. “But it’s like anything else in life, it’s something they have to fight through. They’re doing a good job.”
If the Huskies first scrimmage of the spring is any indication, the offensive line may well be one of the surprises of the season.
The running game was especially positive. Running through gaping holes, tailback Shelton Sampson gained 59 yards on eight carries, and Louis Rankin added five carries for 52 yards and Kenny James went 47 yards on eight carries.
Most spectacular was James Sims, moved to fullback from free safety this spring. Sims had 52 yards on five carries, consistently finding holes and using his 4.4 speed to burst through them.
Still, Dickey isn’t satisfied.
“We’re a long ways away,” he said. “The kids are working hard, but we had some mistakes. I see the young kids starting to understand things better. But we’re still making too many mistakes out there.”
Back, not back: Tailback Chris Singleton, who has missed most of the spring because of recurring foot soreness, practiced Monday, as did receiver Sonny Shackelford (hamstring).
Defensive tackle Manase Hopoi had an MRI Monday for a sore, swollen knee he injured Tuesday. The results were not available Monday afternoon.
Nose tackle Dan Milsten (ankle) will be out until probably Thursday. Tight end Ben Bandel (knee) missed Monday’s practice but was expected back today.
Backs shine: Tailbacks Kenny James, Shelton Sampson and Louis Rankin all are making strong bids to start. All, Gilbertson said, are having very good springs.
“No one has eliminated himself,” Gilbertson said.
Fullback James Sims also has had a solid camp, but Zach Tuiasosopo remains the starter. In Tuiasosopo’s favor are his experience and bulk. He outweighs Sims by more than 30 pounds, which gives him the edge in blocking. Tuiasosopo also knows the protection schemes better.
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