SEATTLE – The first year of the Tyrone Willingham era at Washington was clearly a disappointment. Coming into the season, there was plenty of optimism that this could be a team who could miraculously go from 1-10 to possibly 6-5 and a minor bowl game.
Jennifer Buchanan / The Herald
Well, that didn’t happen.
The Huskies got off to a bad start – losing late to Air Force – and ended badly in the Apple Cup. The only highlight was the victory at Arizona, and the team didn’t really show enough improvement to build much optimism heading into next season.
Still, for better or worse, there is plenty coming back next season, at least in theory. It’s certainly possible that after a year under Willingham, players could decide that Washington isn’t the place for them (and coaches could make that decision for them).
The Huskies have most of their skill players back from an inconsistent offense that was better than last year’s team but still nowhere near good enough to compete in the Pacific-10. The offensive line must be almost entirely rebuilt, as does the solid linebacking corps. The weak secondary returns intact, and there is some talent on the defensive line.
Here’s what the Huskies have going into next season as of the end of this season:
Quarterback: The top two players – Isaiah Stanback and Johnny DuRocher – are back. It seems unlikely that Stanback will go into next season as the assumed starter; he didn’t really do enough to earn that. But DuRocher also showed little in his very limited action. Carl Bonnell, who did not take a snap and was injured almost the entire season, seems a long shot to get into the race, particularly with Ferndale star Jake Locker possibly arriving (if he turns down baseball). The only thing for sure is it will be another quarterback battle come the spring.
Running back: James Sims, who sparked the running game late in the year, is gone, as is Chris Singleton and fullback Ty Eriks. But depth won’t be a problem. Louis Rankin, who won the starting job but missed time with injury, returns, as does Kenny James, who led the 2004 team in rushing. But J.R. Hasty will receive the most attention. Hasty redshirted as a freshman this year but drew rave reviews from coaches throughout the season. And James Montgomery, a recruit from California, could figure in the mix if he does come to Washington. Mark Palaita will be back at fullback.
Wide receiver/tight end: Everyone is back from this inconsistent group. Sonny Shackelford and Anthony Russo were the season-long starters and figure to compete for those spots again, along with Craig Chambers, the unit’s top play-maker, and Cody Ellis, who averaged 19.2 yards a catch. Duke transfer Chancellor Young is also expected to be involved in the equation, as could Marlon Wood, who showed he could be a deep threat before he was hurt. How Quintin Daniels, Charles Smith and Corey Williams fit in remains to be seen. The top two tight ends – Robert Lewis and Johnie Kirton – are back and could be challenged by some young players, including Jared Bronson, Tim Williams and Mike Gottlieb.
Offensive line: Three players who saw regular action – Stanley Daniels, Chad Macklin and Clay Walker – are back. Walker figures to be given a shot to win the center spot, while Daniels will return at a guard and Macklin will probably start at a tackle. The rest of the rotation will be a battle and could involve some junior college help. Ben Ossai impressed this season, and Nathan Flowers and Juan Garcia could win jobs. But this group will not be nearly as experienced as the 2005 line was.
Defensive line: Starting tackles Manase Hopoi and Mike Mapuolesega will be gone but there is experience back. Wilson Afoa and Erick Lobos are the leaders for the tackle positions, though Jordan White-Frisbee’s return from injury will help, and Jasper Henry, Dan Milsten and Jordan Reffett may be involved. Donny Mateaki and Greyson Gunheim return at defensive end, as does Brandon Ala. Caesar Rayford and Walt Winter could provide depth, and coaches liked what they saw from redshirt Daniel Te’o-Nesheim.
Linebacker: Two starters will need to be replaced, but this seems to be a pretty set position. Scott White is the lone starter back, and Tahj Bomar has the inside track at middle linebacker. Chris Stevens could replace Evan Benjamin at outside linebacker, and Dan Howell will also be involved in the competition for time. Darrion Jones will see time in the middle with Bomar. Two players battling injuries – E.J. Savannah and Trenton Tuiasosopo – could really help if they are able to recover.
Secondary: The safety spot is solid with C.J. Wallace and Dashon Goldson back, and they have depth with Darin Harris and Chris Hemphill. But there’s no question that junior college players will be added to help the overmatched cornerbacks. Starters Roy Lewis and Matt Fountaine are back, as is Josh Okoebor, Durrell Moss, Clarence Simpson and Desmond Davis, but none should feel safe in their roles.
Special teams: Kicker Evan Knudson has to be replaced but redshirt Ryan Perkins should be able to handle that (though he’ll be challenged by Michael Braunstein). Sean Douglas returns to give UW a strong punter. The return game has to be improved, and should be with the return of Marlon Wood from a broken leg. Who joins him as a returner is uncertain, possibly Roy Lewis or J.R. Hasty.
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