SEATTLE – The Tyrone Willingham-era at the University of Washington began at about 4:20 p.m. Tuesday when the Huskies marched onto the Husky Stadium turf for the first practice of the fall season.
And sticking to his routine, Willingham said he saw both good things, and bad things.
“I’m a guy who usually sees things through a glass that is three-quarters full,” Willingham said. “Overall, I was pleased with the way they reported and the way they came onto the practice field.”
The team practiced for about two hours in shorts, a jersey and helmets (pads aren’t allowed through the first five practices, per NCAA rules). After working on individual position drills, the practice ended with a fairly physical 11-on-11 drill considering there were no pads.
“That’s the way we practice every day,” Willingham said. “The same way.”
There was little of note to occur during the 11-on-11, with the ball beginning on the 26-yard-line every play. None of the four quarterback candidates stood out. Isaiah Stanback fumbled the snap on the first play and he had passes knocked down at the line by Brandon Ala and Mike Mapuolesega. But Stanback also had the longest pass play, about 20 yards to tight end Robert Lewis. Freshman J.R. Hasty had the longest run, about 14 yards.
Today the team will be split into two separate groups, one to practice in the early afternoon and another to practice later, a routine that will be repeated throughout the fall in order to increase the number of repetitions players receive. Willingham said there will be no particular order to who is assigned to which group.
James shaken up: Junior running back Kenny James, Washington’s leading returning rusher, was injured on the second play of the 11-on-11 drills, taking a hard blow to his left shoulder. Trainers fitted James with an ice bag and Willingham described the injury as a bruise.
Mixing it up: After Lewis’ 20-yard reception, safety Dashon Goldson and offensive tackle Robin Meadow got in a fight in which a few punches were thrown. After the fight was broken up, Willingham sent the team running laps around the field for about five minutes. Willingham said that while fights happen, he doesn’t like to see it because if it occurs during a game, it could mean a 15-yard penalty and/or an ejection.
Sitting it out: A few key players did not practice on Tuesday. Jordan White-Frisbee is still recovering from surgery to his lower right leg. The sophomore defensive tackle had a splint that went from his ankle to just below his knee. Guard Stanley Daniels and center Brandon Leyritz also sat the practice out.
Picture day set: Husky Picture Day will be held Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at Husky Stadium. The event is open to the public.
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