Washington Huskies Preview

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Since i got love for UW - here's the huskies previews. You bitches are going down on the 10th.

Team preview: WashingtonBlue Ribbon Yearbook

(All information as of July 1, 2005)

Washington Huskies
LOCATION Seattle
CONFERENCE Pacific-10
LAST SEASON 1-10 (.091)
CONFERENCE RECORD 0-8 (10th)
OFF. STARTERS RETURNING 9
DEF. STARTERS RETURNING 9
NICKNAME Huskies
COLORS Purple & Gold
HOME FIELD Husky Stadium (72,500)
COACH Tyrone Willingham (Michigan State '77)
RECORD AT SCHOOL First year
CAREER RECORD 65-62-1 (10 years)
ASSISTANTS • Kent Baer (Utah State '73) ,
Defensive Coordinator
• Tim Lappano (Idaho '83),
Offensive Coordinator
• Mike Denbrock (Grand Valley State '86),
Offensive Line
• Randy Hart (Ohio State '70),
Defensive Line
• Trent Miles (Indiana State '87) ,
Running Backs
• Bob Simmons (Bowling Green '71) ,
Tight Ends/Special Teams
• Chris Tormey (Idaho '78),
Linebackers/Recruiting Coordinator
• Eric Yarber (Idaho '85) ,
Receivers
• Steven Wilks (Appalachian State '92) ,
Secondary

TEAM WINS (last five yrs.) 11-8-7-6-1
FINAL RANK (last five yrs.) 5-14-23-39-89
2004 FINISH Lost to Washington State in regular-season finale.
2005 Schedule | 2004 Results | 2004 Statistics

COACH AND PROGRAM

It's still not entirely clear why Tyrone Willingham was fired from Notre Dame after three seasons, but Washington fans are glad he was.
This once proud and elite program suffered the indignity last season of going winless in Pac-10 play. If not for a 21-6 home win over San Jose State, the Huskies would have gone 0-for-11 in 2004. How in the name of Don James did this happen so fast? Just four years ago, in 2001, Washington challenged for the national championship under hotshot coach Rick Neuheisel.

How bad was it in Seattle last season? Consider that before 2004, the last losing season for the Huskies came in 1976. And even then James guided Washington to a 5-6 mark. In 115 years of Washington football, last season was the first with double-digit defeats. If nothing else, it can't get any worse.

The Huskies took a monumental step toward restoring the pride back to Washington by hiring Willingham last December.

Willingham brings immediate credibility to a program that suffered a devastating public relations nightmare when Neuheisel was fired for taking part in a college basketball pool. The former coach won a $4.5 million settlement from Washington and the NCAA on March 7, 2005 stemming from his wrongful termination suit.

And while Washington would've hired him regardless, it doesn't hurt that Willingham is familiar with the Pac-10 from his days at Stanford. He was the running backs coach under Dennis Green from 1989-91 and in 1995, Willingham was hired as the head coach. In seven years as the Cardinal head man, Willingham went to four bowl games, won two Pac-10 Coach-of- the-Year awards and brought Stanford to its first Rose Bowl in 28 years in 1999.

"There has been a constant ebb and flow within the conference," Willingham said. "One team is up at one time, one of the Arizona schools was pretty strong with 'desert storm' and then all of a sudden that's changed a little bit.

"Then you've got Cal that's risen up, so you're going to have that normal changing of the guard at some point. USC was down at one point, and they're back. So you have that ebb and flow and what I'm hopeful of is we can get to the top of all the flows."

And while it's obvious that a coach can win at Washington, this is not going to be an overnight turnaround. The recruiting classes the last few years have been sub-par and the returning players have developed a lot of bad habits, including the expectation of defeat last season.

"The players just haven't been making enough of a commitment in the past," said offensive coordinator Tim Lappano, who was the San Francisco 49ers running backs coach the last two years. "We told the guys that they needed to stick around this summer, play 7-on-7 and just make that effort. They haven't had a good turnout the last few summers and we want that to change. The coaching staff challenged them to stay and work and if they make that commitment, this will be a real good football team in the near future.

"It's not easy to win. It takes something extra than most teams are willing to give. The stories get around, too. A hotshot recruit came in during the summer a few years back to see the campus and what not. He sees no one working out or playing football. The recruit was stunned that no one was working and went elsewhere. He's doing real good now, too."

The coaching staff agrees, after watching some film from last season and the 15 spring practices, that this team isn't awful. The Huskies aren't good by any means, and no one has any delusions of competing for the Pac-10 championship this year, but there's hope, if the players commit to what Willingham and his staff are teaching.

"We can't get better unless we work together, talk together, unless we spend that time together," Willingham said. "I'm hopeful that all our guys are here this summer."

And while it's definitely going to be an ongoing process implementing the new offensive and defensive schemes, the main concern isn't memorizing the playbook. This season, the goal is more simplistic. It's about having pride in what the Washington program once stood for.

"When I coached against them last season, with Notre Dame, what I saw at that time was not the Husky teams that I had seen before," Willingham said. "So that will be my goal. One, to go back and identify all those key ingredients that made those teams great and then see if we can bring that forth. And in bringing that forward, I think it has to have a twist on it because today the game is more sophisticated than it's ever been.

"Our players are excited about hearing that kind of conversation about envisioning themselves playing and living up to that kind of tradition."

And yes, the Huskies play host to Notre Dame on Sept. 24.

"I am aware Notre Dame is on the schedule but that will not be my focus," Willingham said.

By then, with three games under behind them, the Huskies may resemble a different football team than the one that completed just 40 percent of its passes and threw 24 interceptions last season. Or the team that, over 11 games scored 18 touchdowns. Seven Division I-A players scored at least 19, including Memphis tailback DeAngelo Williams, who led the nation with 23.

Clearly Willingham and his staff have work to do.

However, it's a new era, one that at least in the early going isn't going to be determined by wins and losses. That day will arrive soon enough.

The first step for Willingham and his staff is restoring pride and respect back into the program, and more specifically, into the Washington players.

QUARTERBACKS

In 2004, the quarterback situation made the train wreck in the beginning of The Fugitive look like a minor fender bender. This season can't be much worse, but by early June, Lappano had no idea who the starter would be.
All three quarterbacks who took snaps last year are returning, and they'll be joined by a transfer from Oregon.

Senior Casey Paus (6-5, 220) has the size and arm strength of a big-time Pac-10 quarterback, but his first year as the starter was anything was a success. He completed 42 percent of 274 attempts for 1,476 yards, five touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

Junior Isaiah Stanback (6-3, 205) almost led Washington to a come-from-behind victory at Washington State in the season-finale and if anyone has a slim lead heading into the fall, it's this former wide receiver.

He completed 34 percent of his 68 attempts last season for three scoring tosses and three picks. Stanback also rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns in 41 carries.

"Stanback has a good spring, but it's not fair to call him the favorite," Lappano said. "I like his athleticism and his decision making. But I told him this spring that he needs more knowledge of the position and that depends on how hard he studies. How much more time and effort is he willing to commit. If he isn't, I told him to go play wide receiver.

"His potential is really unlimited, though."

The third signal-caller involved in the nightmare that was last season is sophomore Carl Bonnell (6-3, 200). He completed 37 percent of his 54 passes for 228 yards, four interceptions and zero touchdown tosses. However, Bonnell can really make things happen with his feet as evidenced by his 149 yards on just 28 rushes.

"No matter who takes the snaps this year, we're looking for a lot of three-step drops, more of a quick passing game," Lappano said. "We want to frustrate the defense and get rid of the ball in 1.3, 1.4 seconds. It's a lot like the New England Patriots' offense and we want to give the defense multiple formations and keep it fairly balanced with a lot of different looks."

Lappano and Willingham have both said they are not in favor of rotating quarterbacks and that they hoped to have a full-time starter in place by the season-opener against Air Force on Sept. 3.

"I'm just not convinced that a quarterback platoon is a good idea," Lappano said.

"The quarterbacks are still battling," Willingham said after the spring game. "It's still very difficult to distinguish who did that much better than the other young men out there. That's why there's no pecking order."

A fourth candidate could force his way into the group in August. Sophomore Johnny DuRocher (6-4, 215) was a redshirt his freshman year at Oregon and then decided to transfer. He graduated from Bethel (Wash.) in 2003 with 6,781 passing yards and 67 touchdown tosses and was the state's player of the year in 2002.

 

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RUNNING BACKS

This could not only be a strength this season, but if the committee of backs can move the football and allow the quick, short passing game to develop, this offense could be competitive. It could realistically double the Huskies' touchdown production, too, which isn't as impressive as it sounds considering they scored just 18 times in 2004.
Junior Kenny James (5-10, 215) is one of nine starters that return on offense and he has led Washington in rushing yards each of his two seasons. In 2004, James rushed for 702 yards and five touchdowns on 172 carries (4.1 average). All things considered, those are pretty impressive numbers.

And while he isn't expected to get more than 15 carries a game, it would be surprising if James didn't earn the starting nod from the new staff.

Lappano says James is a combine fantasy, too. He runs the 40 in 4.4 and his vertical leap was recently measured at 45.5 inches.

As talented as James is, the star of the spring season was sophomore Louis Rankin (6-0, 195). He rushed for just 35 yards on nine carries in 2004, but appears the favorite to back up James, and that could mean 10-12 carries per game.

"Louis was the most improved player on the offense this spring, there's no doubt about that," Lappano said. "He had breakaway speed and can catch the ball and run in the open field."

Other tailbacks on the depth chart include junior Shelton Sampson (5-11, 205), who rushed for 189 yards and two touchdowns on 51 carries (3.7 average) last season, and senior Chris Singleton (6-1, 210).

"We're looking for one guy at tailback, but three or four of them deserve to play," Lappano said.

Senior James Sims (6-1, 205) should handle the fullback chores again this fall. He was a starter last year, and even rushed for 85 yards at Washington State despite having moved from safety during the off-season.

Lappano was also impressed in the spring by redshirt freshman fullback Johnie Kirton (6-3, 280), who despite his girth, runs a 4.7 40-yard dash.

"That's freakish," Lappano said. "This kid's athletic ability at that size is just unreal." Senior Ty Eriks (6-2, 235) should also see time at fullback.

"We have strength at the running back position," Lappano said. "I like our mix a lot. Our mindset going into the season is to become more physical up front and run the football. The amount of fumbles the backs had last year are just ridiculous. We tried working on not turning the ball over in the spring and I think we made some strides."

Washington finished 2004 with 42 turnovers, the second-most in Division I-A this decade behind the 44 Army had in 2003. The Huskies were 116th out fo 117 I-A schools in turnover margin.



WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

The Huskies' receiving corps certainly didn't shine last year and truth be told, their collective efforts this spring didn't exactly send the coaches into euphoria.
One of the two starters not returning for Washington is wide-out Bobby Whithorne (18 catches). Junior Sonny Shackelford (6-2, 185) heads the list of nine returning receivers. He led the squad with 21 catches last season. Shackelford is kind of a tweener, in that he doesn't really qualify as a deep threat that spreads the field and he isn't a possession receiver, either. He does have decent hands and will likely garner one of the two starting gigs.

The other starting nod should fall to sophomore Craig Chambers (6-3, 200). There was actually some excitement about Chambers entering the spring, but a lackluster performance over the 15 practices muffled that talk a bit. In just five games in 2004, Chambers had 19 receptions for a team-high 408 yards and two touchdowns. His 21.5-yards-per-catch average was among the best in the Pac-10 and against Cal, Chambers had eight grabs for 189 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown. He came back with 100-yard games against Oregon and Washington State.

Despite his spring performance, Chambers appears ready to take over as the team's No. 1 option. And even with the new emphasis on the running game, he should haul in 50 passes this season.

Juniors Quintin Daniels (6-0, 195) and Corey Williams (6-2, 190) both missed spring practice with injuries but were expected back by August. They should corral the third and fourth receiver roles.

Last year's starting tight end, senior Joe Toledo (6-6, 310) has moved to offensive tackle, leaving little experience at the position. Toledo's 19 catches were tied for second-most on the team in 2004. His two touchdowns were tied for first. Lappano might be tempted to use Toledo on at least one tackle-eligible passing play down around the goal-line this season.

In his place, sophomore Robert Lewis (6-5, 230) appears the favorite. He has just five receptions in nine games last season. Also in the mix are sophomore Jared Bronson (6-5, 245) and redshirt freshman Michael Gottlieb (6-5, 240).



OFFENSIVE LINE

This unit will make or break the offense this season. With the new offense based around between-the-tackles running and quick passing, if the offensive line can open some holes and just provide decent pass blocking, the Huskies could move the football and cut their turnovers from a season ago in half.
And despite all the offensive woes of '04, the line allowed the second-fewest sacks in the Pac-10 (23).

Four starters from a year ago return, although Willingham announced from day one that no starting spot was guaranteed. With Toledo adding 30 pounds and moving from tight end, this unit has the makings of being a real strength for Washington.

Toledo impressed coaches and teammates alike with his play at tackle this spring. He also took on more of a leadership role and should be the backbone of this line.

Others returning starters include junior guards Stanley Daniels (6-4, 320) and Clay Walker (6-4, 300). That duo, however, will be pushed and at least share time with senior Tusi Sa'au (6-2, 320).

The center is senior Brad Vanneman (6-3, 305). He was the only Washington offensive player to start all 11 games last season.

The other starting tackle will probably be senior Robin Meadow (6-6, 300).

Redshirt freshmen Ryan Bush (6-2, 295) at guard and Nathan Flowers (6-3, 325) at tackle are the primary backups.

"We have size up front and the line could really be strong," Lappano said. "We have some depth, too, which is nice because sometimes it's scary if you lose one or two guys up front, but we'd be OK.

"We're not where we want to be, but we think this offense is capable of being effective."



KICKERS

It was unclear if Willingham would split the place-kicking duties -- as was the case last season -- or if he would give the job to either senior Evan Knudson (6-0, 185) or sophomore Michael Braunstein (5-6, 185).
After leading the team with 63 points in 2003, Knudson converted 7-of-10 field goals and 3-of-4 extra points in 2004. While he isn't expected to kick off or even attempt PATs, Knudson could be the regular field-goal kicker. He has made seven kicks of 40 yards or longer over the last two seasons.

Braunstein missed 4-of-7 field goal attempts in 2004 but was nearly automatic on extra-points, kicking 11-of-12. He'll likely handle the PATs and any short-distance field goal attempts.

However, no one was really sure what to make of this situation after spring practice.

"Competition brings out the best," special teams coach Bob Simmons said. "We really want to continue that competition before coach Willingham names one guy over the other."

 

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DEFENSIVE LINE

Washington returns nine starters on defense, having lost just the cornerbacks from last year's unit. The front seven should be especially strong for first-year defensive coordinator Kent Baer, who came with Willingham from Notre Dame. Last year his Fighting Irish defense finished third in the country against the run and he was finalist for the Frank Broyles Award for the nation's best assistant coach. He'll be a valuable asset to the program.
Baer will run a similar 4-3 defensive scheme that Washington did last year, so the transition period wasn't overly difficult this spring.

"We've had success with what we've been running," Baer said. "I don't believe in just throwing them out there with no understanding of what they should be doing. We made some real progress this spring, but as a coach, you're never pleased.

"We certainly made strides with the understanding of what we'd like to do schematically. But nothing is locked in with returning starters. With a new staff, you have to keep your eyes open to everything. The cream always rises to the top. That said, I can't name a starting 11 and I won't. There's a good chance, however, that the starting front four of a year ago will see significant playing time if not resume their starting roles."

The leader of the defense is expected to be senior tackle Manase Hopoi (6-4, 285). Last year Hopoi had 35 solo tackles, 19 assists, 22 stops for loss and nine quarterback sacks. He was an absolute menace and while he should see more double-teams this year, he should vie for All-Pac-10 honors. Last year, Hopoi was a second-team All-Pac-10 selection.

"A ball carrier only wants to be tackled by one guy," Hopoi said. "I think it's real scary for a ball carrier when all 11 guys are running at him and trying to put a helmet on him. To be hit by four defensive linemen, three or four linebackers, safeties and corners all on one play and every play, I think it's going to take a toll on opponents.

"That was probably one of the most important aspects emphasized this spring -- to finish the play. You can start good, but you have to finish the drill, finish the play."

The other tackle should be sophomore Jordan White-Frisbee (6-6, 330). He had 26 tackles last year and is mostly a run stopper that takes up blockers.

The returning starting ends include senior Mike Mapuolesega (6-3, 280) and sophomore Grayson Gunheim (6-4, 245). They combined for just 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks last season and if that production isn't improved upon, they could become role players sooner rather than later.

The backups include junior end Brandon Ala (6-3, 245), who had 18 tackles in 2004, sophomore nose tackle Wilson Afoa (6-3, 280), who had 10 tackles including three for losses last year and junior nose tackle Dan Milsten (6-5, 290).



LINEBACKERS

There is no debate that this unit is Washington's best on either side of the ball. All three '04 starters return, and while Baer says no starting spot is guaranteed, it would be a surprise if any member of this menacing trio -- each of whom ranked among the top six in the Pac-10 in tackles -- are standing on the sideline come the season-opener.
On the outside is senior Evan Benjamin (6-0, 215). He led the team in tackles last season with 105, including 10 stops for loss. Benjamin also had three interceptions, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He missed spring drills with an injury but was expected back 100 percent for August practice.

The inside backers are senior Joe Lobendahn (5-10, 230), who finished 2004 with 100 tackles, 50 solo and 50 assists, 13.5 tackles for loss and three sacks; and junior Scott White (6-1, 230), who added 83 tackles, including a dozen for loss and five sacks.

The backups include sophomores Dan Howell (6-2, 225) and Kyle Trew (6-1, 220) on the inside and junior Tahj Bomar (6-2, 220) on the outside.

"We have enough talent to get back on top and for this year, have a winning record," Baer said. "But we have to change attitudes, that's the key and we're pushing as hard as we can to accomplish that."



DEFENSIVE BACKS

In the usually pass-happy Pac-10, having an inexperienced secondary is never a positive. However, with three potential JUCO recruits ready to step in at cornerback and a likely shift to more running and less passing in the conference this season, the Huskies might be able to escape the season with any major issues here and return in 2006 with the secondary being an experienced strength.
Both safeties are back in senior free Dashon Goldson (6-2, 195) and junior strong C.J. Wallace (6-0, 205).

Goldson had 64 tackles and two interceptions in 2004, while Wallace added 66 tackles, five for loss and an interception. Both are solid.

The cornerback spots weren't settled entering August. During the spring season, Washington had just three scholarship cornerbacks, with the most experienced being sophomore Darin Harris (5-11, 200), who made two tackles in 2004. Others on the depth chart include juniors Dre Simpson (6-2, 200) and Josh Okoebor (5-10, 180), sophomore Roy Lewis (5-11, 185) and redshirt freshman Wade Gurnett (5-11, 185).

However, the coaching staff is hopeful the JUCO transfers can start from the first day of practice in August. Each played at Pasadena Community College last year and should bolster Washington's secondary. The Huskies are in trouble if they don't.

The trio includes cornerbacks Qwenton Freeman (6-1, 185) and Chris Handy (5-11, 190) and wide receiver/cornerback Marlon Wood (5-10, 180).

"We really need to develop a little depth in the secondary, no doubt about that," Baer said.

Of the three JC recruits, Handy has the most experience, having played two years for Nevada, where he was coached by Chris Tormey, now a UW assistant. As a freshman at Nevada, Handy started seven times and made 41 tackles, earning a spot on The Sporting News' WAC All-Freshman team.

Freeman, who didn't play high school football, made 46 tackles and an interception last season. Wood, from Tampa, Fla. originally signed a track scholarship with Alabama State, where he competed in the long jump and triple jump. He was team MVP at Pasadena Community College last season after making 26 tackles and intercepting three passes.



PUNTERS

Junior Sean Douglas (6-1, 215) will be handling the punting and kickoffs again this season. He averaged an impressive 42.6 yards per boot in '04, with 19 of his 63 punts pinning the opposition inside its 20-yard line. His long was a mighty 78 yards.
However, all news on Douglas wasn't good. He did have four punts blocked and needs to quicken his release. The blocking unit needs to improve as well.

Douglas was also the team's best option on kickoffs in 2004, averaging more than 60 yards on his 24 tries. He also had the only four touchbacks registered by the Huskies kickers.

Knudson also participated in punting drills during the spring and will back up Douglas.



SPECIAL TEAMS

The returning of punts and kicks last season was handled mostly by sophomore Anthony Russo (5-11, 185).
He wasn't highly successful on either endeavor, averaging 17.6 yards on 15 kick returns and just 3.4 yards on eight punt returns. Obviously the entire unit needs to improve, not just the return man.

Shackelford was a little better on punt returns, averaging 6.6 on seven tries, but the most glaring statistic is that Washington didn't return a punt longer than 11 yards last season. Actually, maybe even more incredibly, they returned just 18 punts the entire season.

Transfer Marlon Wood returned averaged 10.1 yards per punt return at Pasadena Community College last season and could be an option. More impressively, he averaged 40 yards on his five kick returns, taking one back 100 yards for a touchdown.