SEATTLE — A chance for significant playing time just increased for one Snohomish County product.
Dexter Charles, a Stanwood High School graduate who already was working at guard with the University of Washington football team’s No. 1 offense this spring, has a legitimate shot at starting after head coach Steve Sarkisian announced earlier this week that starting guard Colin Porter has to retire because of shoulder problems. Porter was a full-time starter as a sophomore last season.
Charles, a redshirt freshman, and James Atoe, a sophomore, will battle for Porter’s starting job. The other guard position also is unsettled. Colin Tanigawa, who started at guard last season, is still recovering from knee surgery and could miss part or all of fall camp. Tackle Erik Kohler is also a possibility at the guard position, but he’s been hampered by injuries this spring.
Sarkisian told reporters Monday that Porter, who is coming off surgery on both shoulders, will have to give up football because of a degenerative condition. The Bothell native was supposed to be one of four starters returning to a line that has been plagued by offseason injuries.
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