SEATTLE — There might not be the pirate references, the quarterback controversies or the high-flying offensive installations that are going on across the state, but change is certainly in the air as the University of Washington football team prepares to open the fourth spring of practices in the Steve Sarkisian era.
Whether it’s the five new assistant coaches, the loss of star running back Chris Polk, the installation of a new defense or an infusion of young players hungry to make an impact, this spring is all about renewal at UW.
“There’s new stuff going on,” Sarkisian said Friday, as the team prepared to open a four-week spring practice session on Monday. “The field, the (8 a.m. start) time, the new coaches and I think there’s plenty of newness in this thing that makes it feel fresh, makes it feel alive, makes it feel, I think, there’s a bit of excitement in the air but yet, a little bit of anxiety in the air quite honestly. I think guys are anxious to get on the field and get going.”
With a roster made up almost entirely of his recruits — just five players from the Tyrone Willingham era remain — Sarkisian has become the face of UW football. But there are still plenty of players whose names emit immediate recognition, most notably junior quarterback Keith Price, senior cornerback Desmond Trufant and sophomore tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
But there are also new coordinators on both sides of the ball (Eric Keisau on offense; Josh Wilcox on defense), a new running game that could feature Jesse Callier or might be tailback-by-committee, a defensive system that will be heavy on the 3-4, and at least a handful of players who may be making their first starts in the 2012 opener this fall.
There’s also a venue change because of the renovation of Husky Stadium, leaving the team to practice on the east field behind the UW softball complex. That means there won’t be any room for fans, making this the first spring season that will be closed to the public.
A lineup that lost four starters on either side of the ball will look different in the spring, when several projected starters continue to rest injuries. Defensive end Hau’oli Jamora will continue to sit out following knee surgery, while defensive tackle Semisi Tokolahi (foot surgery) and three-fifths of UW’s offensive line will at least be limited this spring. Junior-to-be Erik Kohler will rest various cases of wear-and-tear, while Colin Porter (both shoulders) and Colin Tanigawa (knee) will sit out the entire spring following surgeries.
The only returning starter on the offensive line who’s expected to see significant action this spring is center Drew Schaefer, a senior and likely team captain. Young linemen such as Micah Hatchie, Ben Riva, James Atoe and Stanwood High School product Dexter Charles are expected to get long looks during the four weeks of practices that begin Monday.
While Sarkisian called this team “one of, if not our most athletic team at the skill positions,” he acknowledged that the biggest concern is finding replacements for end-zone staples Jermaine Kearse, Devin Aguilar and Polk, who combined for 26 of the Huskies’ 49 touchdowns last season and 64 during their productive careers at UW.
“Those guys have scored a lot of touchdowns for us the last three years,” Sarkisian said. “Now who are going to be those guys?”
Sarkisian also expressed concern in the number of healthy players at the offensive and defensive line positions this camp.
But the biggest question may well involve how quickly the UW defenders can pick up a new system. Wilcox’s scheme is said to be more aggressive, and the Huskies could utilize more 3-4 looks that use four linebackers — including converted defensive end Josh Shirley and converted safeties Taz Stevenson and Evan Zeger.
On Friday, Sarkisian was somewhat vague about how much 3-4 the Huskies plan to use. But he acknowledged that his defense has a long way to go before the fall.
“We are starting at ground zero on the defensive side of the ball,” he said. “That goes without saying. We have to teach every aspect from it, from stance and start and alignment and assignment.”
The Huskies plan to go three days a week for four weeks, with early start times each weekday. They have a long way to go, and a short time to get there.
“It’s a big spring on a lot of fronts,” Sarkisian said. “I want to make sure when we come back in fall camp that we’re really a well-oiled machine when we hit that field come August.”
Notes
Sarkisian said junior fullback Tim Tucker, a converted linebacker, has been kicked off the team for a violation of team rules. … The status of senior running back Johri Fogerson appears to be in limbo, due in part to ongoing hip injuries. Fogerson will not participate in spring practice and is not listed on the roster, but Sarkisian has not ruled him out for the fall. “There’s a big decision to be made ahead,” Sarkisian said. … Wide receiver Marvin Hall and running back Antavius Sims, two incoming players who sat out the 2011 season because of NCAA clearinghouse issues, are expected to be in action this month. Sims will compete for time at running back after playing quarterback in high school. … Other players expected to miss all or part of the upcoming practices because of injury include safety Travis Feeney (shoulder surgery), linebacker Cooper Pelluer (shoulder), running back Deontae Cooper (multiple knee surgeries) and wide receiver Kevin Smith (knee).
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