SEATTLE – University of Washington football coach Tyrone Willingham outlined some of his recruiting strategy for the upcoming offseason on Monday, saying the team needs help at cornerback, strong safety, the offensive and defensive lines, running back and punter.
The news of Johnny DuRocher’s brain tumor likely means Washington will be looking at quarterback help as well.
On offense, Washington loses Isaiah Stanback, Kenny James, Mark Palaita, Sonny Shackelford, Stanley Daniels and Clay Walker, all of whom were generally considered starters. On defense, Dashon Goldson, C.J. Wallace, Scott White and Tahj Bomar are gone, as are punter Sean Douglas and kicker Michael Braunstein.
So there are plenty of spots to be filled. Here’s a look at what things might look like heading into spring practice.
Quarterback
The top two sports are pretty clear: Carl Bonnell and Jake Locker will compete for the starting job. Some see Locker as the clear choice, but Bonnell may have made it into a competition with a couple solid performances (California, Washington State) in relief of Stanback. Either way, the Huskies will again have a mobile quarterback leading the offense. Depth is a concern. Washington has received a commitment from high school quarterback Ronnie Fouch of Redlands, Calif., but will need to add at least one other player to feel safe.
Running back
Depth is another concern here, with just two players likely to return. Louis Rankin showed flashes of brilliance mixed with inconsistency. Whether he has enough inside running ability to be a No. 1 back is the question. Former prized recruit J.R. Hasty is likely to make his debut after coming back from academic problems, and should push for the starting job. Washington has commitments from Nate Williams of Kennedy High School and Brandon Yakaboski of Mount Si, and Willingham said that it’s possible a freshman could work into the rotation.
Fullback
Palaita is gone, but the coaches say they feel pretty good about having Paul Homer back. Homer was one of two true freshmen to see action this year and he impressed with his physical play. Luke Kravitz also will return and could rotate between tailback and fullback.
Wide receiver
Twelve players return, but just five are on scholarship. Anthony Russo is back after finishing second on the team in catches, but was fairly inconsistent. Cody Ellis had one of the plays of the year against WSU and will be on the field a lot, as will Marcel Reece, who showed what he’s capable of against the Cougars after a mostly disappointing season. Corey Williams is expected back after disappearing most of this season, but his ability is there. Freshman D’Andre Goodwin was one of the top redshirts and has as much speed as anyone. Washington has commitments from a pair of talented high schoolers in Alvin Logan and Devin Aguilar, who both hail from Colorado.
Tight end
Everyone from this unit is back, including the top three in Michael Gottlieb, Johnie Kirton and Robert Lewis. Kirton may swing between tight end and running back. Tim Williams and Walt Winter are also available to provide depth, though it’s possible Winter could move back to defense as one of Washington’s top commitments is Chris Izbicki, a tight end from Lake Washington and one of the state’s top recruits.
Offensive line
Three starters return, including tackles Ben Ossai and Chad Macklin, though both must improve. Expect both to be challenged by Cody Habben, Morgan Rosborough and possible Erik Berglund and Jordan White-Frisbee. Juan Garcia is back at center, which should help, and he’ll likely be backed up by Ryan Bush. Guard will be the biggest question spots. Casey Bulyca saw a bit of playing time this year, and Aaron Mason was expected to compete for a job but academic problems derailed that. Ryan Tolar impressed as a redshirt, as did Matt Sedillo. The Huskies have commitments from guard Scott Shugert of Oregon City High School and tackle Emeka Iweka of Rainier Beach.
Defensive line
This should be the strength of the team, with all four starters back. Greyson Gunheim and Daniel Te’o-Nesheim could be one of the better defensive end duos in the Pac-10, and they’ll be helped by Anthony Atkins, Caesar Rayford, Darrion Jones and De’Shon Matthews.
Wilson Afoa and Jordan Reffett were solid at tackle and they’ll be back. Erick Lobos will push for time up front, as should Cameron Elisara, the Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year. Derek Kosub and Jovon O’Connor are also in the mix. Willingham said he would like to add a solid pass rusher if possible.
Linebacker
Two starters are gone but this is a group with plenty of depth. Dan Howell returns at one spot and Donald Butler, who was strong as a true freshman, is the likely starter at middle linebacker. The other spot probably will come down to E.J. Savannah and Chris Stevens, though both certainly will play a lot. Matt Houston and Trenton Tuiasosopo should also see time as backups, and former Edmonds-Woodway star Kyle Trew could also get in the mix. Washington has a commitment from O’Dea’s Quinton Richardson, though he’s a candidate to redshirt.
Defensive back
This will be Washington’s primary focus in recruiting as the Huskies are incredibly thin in the secondary. Roy Lewis will return at one starting cornerback spot, but the other spot is open. Jordan Murchison was expected to help this year but was injured most of the season. Freshman Matt Mosley definitely will get on the field, and Mesphin Forrester may again rotate between corner and safety.
Jason Wells was one of the surprises of the season and returns at free safety. But who knows who will be next to him? Darin Harris will compete, as will Forrester. It’s possible Ashlee Palmer, who is trying to qualify academically, could become a Husky and fill this spot. Washington has a commitment from Rainier Beach cornerback Vonzell McDowell, one of the state’s best, and given the depth issues, he could play right away.
Special teams
Another spot the Huskies need help as punter Sean Douglas and kicker Michael Braunstein are both gone. The only kicker on the roster is Ryan Perkins, but he’ll miss spring ball while recovering from surgery. Washington has a commitment from kicker Erik Folk of Sherman Oaks, Calif., but expect the Huskies to bring in at least one punter and possibly another kicker.
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