Kasen Williams will look to take on some of the production responsibilities left behind by last year's talented offense. (Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports)
HUSKIES ataGLANCE
LOCATION: Seattle, Wash.
COACH: Chris Petersen — At Washington, 1st year; overall: 92-12,
8 years
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jonathan Smith
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Pete Kwiatkowski
LAST LEAGUE TITLE: 2000
LAST TIME DIDN’T GO BOWLING: 2009
RETURNING STARTERS: 16; 7 offense, 9 defense
PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR Kasen Williams, WR John Ross,
LB Shaq Thompson, DT Danny Shelton, DE Hau’oli Kikaha,
CB Marcus Peters
PRIMARY STRENGTHS: Petersen doesn’t take over a bare cup- board, as new USC coach Steve Sarkisian left behind the bulk of a 9-4 team. The UW defense returns almost every player of note, led by standout linebacker Thompson, and the offense features a line that returns all five starters, including four seniors.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Who plays quarterback? Cyler Miles is the likely starter, but he missed valuable learning time this spring in an offense that will mix Peterson’s schemes with many of UW’s existing up-tempo aspects. RB Bishop Sankey can’t be replaced by one player.
OFFENSE
After compiling a 92-12 record at Boise State, Chris Petersen inherits a lot of experience as he takes over for Steve Sarkisian. UW’s few personnel losses, however, include some of the most impor- tant players from a 9-4 season.
Quarterback Keith Price left holding a slew of school passing records. Running back Bishop Sankey and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins declared early for the NFL Draft.
The quarterback spot remained unclear in the spring with presumed starter Cyler Miles sitting out while suspended as he was investigated for assault. But he’s expected to be back in the fall to take over for Price. Miles started UW’s 69-27 win at Oregon State late in the season and is a better runner than Price.
Sophomore Jeff Lindquist and freshman Troy Williams took all the snaps in the spring and could compete for the QB job.
Kasen Williams, who broke his leg at midseason, should return to lead the receiving corps, which will also feature speedy sophomore John Ross and junior slot back Jaydon Mickens.
UW may go with a committee approach at running back, including linebacker Shaq Thompson, who took ample carries in the spring and could play both ways this season.
The Huskies’ strength could be their offensive line, one of the most experienced UW has had in a decade with all five starters returning, led by senior left tackle Micah Hatchie.
DEFENSE
Nine starters return from a defense that was one of UW’s best in years, led by Shaq Thompson, defensive end Hau’oli Kikaha and nose tackle Danny Shelton, each an all-conference candidate.
New coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski followed last year’s defensive coordinator, Justin Wilcox, at Boise State, and the schemes don’t figure to change much.
Thompson leads a linebacking corps that also includes senior three-year starter John Timu in the middle.
Shelton is already drawing heavy NFL interest and now needs to add consistency. Kikaha came back last year from multiple knee injuries to reclaim his standing as one of the best pass rushers in the conference.
The big questions are in the secondary, where UW has to find a new cornerback and settle both safety spots. The one sure thing is cornerback Marcus Peters, also an all-conference candidate.
SPECIAL TEAMS
UW has to replace Travis Coons, who primarily handled kicking and punting the past two seasons. Sophomore Cameron Van Winkle is the likely kicker and Korey Durkee the punter. The return games should be in good hands with Jaydon Mickens and John Ross, who had a 100-yard kickoff return in the bowl win over BYU.
OVERVIEW
Petersen picked a good time to come to UW. The program appears on the rise with lots of talent left from last year’s nine-win team, and a new stadium is boosting enthusiasm in the program locally and among recruits. Sure, the Huskies could contend for the top spot in the Pac-12 North, but quarterback play will tell that tale.
TOP NEWCOMERS
S Budda Baker: The 5-10, 180-pounder from nearby Washington state prep powerhouse Bellevue High was committed to Oregon until Petersen arrived. Baker was spectacular on offense in high school, but UW has the freshman pegged for safety, where he could step into an immediate starting role.
