Washington Huskies

Head Coach

Tyrone Willingham	4th year
07-08	4-9
PAC-10	2-7
FCR	89

Previous Season Wins

Washington Preview by Chris Farrelly

Head Coach - Tyrone Willingham is entering his 4th year at UW and needs to win some games to keep the faithful at bay. After last years win over Boise St the though was there might be some good things happening in Washington, well as we can all see now that didn’t happen. Tyrone is going to need to turn around things around immediately or his job could be in real jeopardy.

Quarterback - Jake Locker will be entering his sophomore and one thing is certain he’s going to be the main focus in Washington again this season. The PAC Freshman of the Year put up some incredible numbers, he threw for 2, 062 yards, rushed for 992 yards and had a combined total of 27 TD’s. His running skills from the quarterback spot are special but look for Locker to improve on his passing accuracy and cut down his interceptions, the Huskies will go only as far as he takes them.

Running Backs - Brandon Johnson heads in to Washington as the starting tailback this season. His role will be expanded this year with the graduation of Louis Rankin; he possesses outstanding speed and will get to the second level quickly. There are a couple of incoming freshman; Johri Forgeron and Demetrius Bronson who’ll have the chance to show the coaching staff if they’re ready.

Receivers - Graduation hit the receiving corps hard, sophomore D’Andre Godwin is the leading returning wideout but look for competition this fall to determine the rotation. Three freshman; Chris Polk, Anthony Boyles and Devin Aguilar will battle, Polk turned down an offer from USC then graduated early and participated in spring ball and is the early favorite to start.

Offensive Line - The line at Washington this season is going to be one of the strengths of the team with three returning starters. Back from last year are both guards, senior Casey Bulyca on the right and at left guard sophomore Ryan Tolar, at left tackle will be junior Ben Ossai. The O-Line took a big hit this spring when 2nd team All-PAC 10 center Juan Garcia was lost for the year, in his place will be sophomore Matt Sedillo and the new right tackle is sophomore Cody Habben.

Defensive Line - -The Husky defense was ranked 103rd last year and look for changes in all phases, only one starter returns upfront so new defensive coordinator has his work cut out for him. Junior Daniel Te’oNesheim returns and he’ll start on the outside, look for junior Darrion Jones on the other side, Te’oNesheim is a force and last season he contributed 57 tackles and a team high eight sacks. On the inside Washington is to need sophomore Cameron Elisara to play to his potential, joining him at defensive tackle will be senior Jovon O’Connor.

Linebackers - Two starters return at linebacker led by junior E.J. Savannah who led the Huskies with 111 tackles from his outside position. Senior Trenton Tuiasosopo or junior Joshua Gage will be in the middle and joining Savannah on the outside will be sophomore Mason Foster.

Defensive Backs - Senior Jason Wells and Darin Harris return at the safety spots, but they’ll have competition from sophomores Nate Williams and Victor Aiyewa this fall. Senior Mesphin Forrester moved from safety to the corner this spring and he’ll be joined by fellow senior Byron Davenport who started last year, freshman Quinton Richardson could push for time.

Special Teams - Both kickers return and Washington should be solid again this season with junior Ryan Perkins doing the placekicking and at punter is senior Jared Ballman. Perkins was 15 of 20 but has limited range and sophomore Erik Folk could be in the mix.

Schedule - Just another brutal PAC-10 non-conference slate as the Huskies will host BYU, Oklahoma and Notre Dame, they do have seven home games and that’s a plus. Locker will keep them competitive and he’ll put up some big numbers, Washington will upset someone along the way. The team is a year away from respectability and the next coach is going to need some help with the schedule, Washington will win but 3 games this season.