Spring football at the University of Washington has shifted to a whole new practice – publicity.

And like he did for the on-field activities the past month, new coach Steve Sarkisian got through to his audience with flying colors.

Sarkisian was the fresh-faced member of the 38th annual Husky Coaches Tour, which convened for its first of seven stops statewide Thursday at Fircrest Golf Club.

In a crowded banquet room of UW alumni, Sarkisian spoke last, and gave a short assessment of his 41/2-month tenure, of how his Huskies team looks after spring ball and he finished up by answering a few questions about various topics.

Also part of the tour were basketball coaches Lorenzo Romar and Tia Jackson, who also gave brief presentations.

To understand how much curiosity there is about the new football staff, and anticipation for the upcoming season, when Sarkisian, decked out in a sports jacket and collared shirt, was introduced by master of ceremonies' Bob Rondeau, he received a standing ovation.

=> Read more!

As anticipated in the blog entry below, Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury has announced the signing of Renardo Sidney, a 6-10 McDonald's All-American who had previously committed to USC.

Sidney is a native of Mississippi who moved to California in 2006, where he attended Fairfax High School in Los Angeles.

That's the take of Jon Wilner of the Mercury News, weighing in what seems to be happening with Pac-10 recruiting and departures to the NBA.

As of now, Wilner sees the top contenders in next season's conference race as UW and Cal, and he has the Huskies ahead by a nose at this (very very) early date.

Here's Wilner's take.

Meanwhile, Wilner was aready down on USC, and since his blog post, 6-11 power forward Renardo Sidney apparently has backed away from his USC commitment.

A reminder from the UW Alumni Association:

The UW Coaches Tour that is coming to Tacoma’s Fircrest Golf Club on Thursday. As a regional scholarship fund-raiser, Coaches Tour has raised more than $260,000 for UW student scholarships over the past five years. This year’s winners in your area are Alisha Babbitt, a 2007 graduate of Spanaway Lake High School, and Rebecca M. Fountain, a 2003 graduate of Foss High School.

Extended bios are below. For more information on Coaches Tour, visit UWalum.com.

In the hours after the 2009 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings wasted no time signing a few college football products from the Northwest.

Three of the 14 free agents they signed Monday were from the region, including Montana safety Colt Anderson and Boise State running back Ian Johnson and receiver Vinny Perretta.

And if things go right in the team's mini-camp starting Friday, it could be fourt rookies. University of Washington offensive lineman Juan Garcia has been invited to the facility, and will work out with the team.

"It's a general tryout," said Garcia from his home in Yakima. "I'll be going center and guard (drill) stuff."

If things go well, Garcia – who has been recently working out in Las Vegas – could be signed as a free-agent rookie. If not, he said the Oakland Raiders have been in contact, and he could fly there for their mini-camp next week. The New York Jets had also been in contact.

"(Minnesota) felt like the best option right now," Garcia said.

The pairings for the coming season's Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series gives UW a pair of pairings for the first time.

Because there are obviously 12 teams in the Big 12 and only 10 in the Pac-10, two Pac-10 teams have played two series games, and now it's UW's turn.

The Huskies will travel to Texas Tech on Dec. 3, while Texas A&M will come to Hec Edmundson Pavilion on Dec. 22. The sites will swap in 2010, with the Red Raiders coming here and the Huskies visiting College Station.

Here's more information from GoHuskies.com.

Below is the official release and full schedule from the conferences:

The Big 12 and Pac-10 Conferences have announced the dates and matchups for the 2009 Big 12 / Pac-10 Hardwood Series. The series will be in its third year after starting competition during the 2007-08 season.

The majority of the games are scheduled for December 3-6, with three taking place outside the four-day series window. The matchups are new for 2009, after two straight campaigns of the same home-and-away meetings. In 2010, the contests will be return games from this year and take place from December 2-5.

Last season, the two leagues split the Hardwood Series outings, 6-6. In all games played between the two conferences during 2008-09, the Big 12 held a 10-7 edge. The Pac-10 holds a 13-11 advantage in the first two years of the Hardwood Series. A season ago, the 12 contests averaged more than 10,000 fans and in two years games from the event have seen 244,029 fans go through the turnstiles.

Additional components of the series, including the start times and television broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

2009 BIG 12 / PAC-10 HARDWOOD SERIES

Sunday, Nov. 29
Nebraska at USC

Thursday, Dec. 3
Washington at Texas Tech
USC at Texas
Baylor at Arizona State

Friday, Dec. 4
Colorado at Oregon State

Saturday, Dec. 5
Oregon at Missouri
Iowa State at California
Washington State at Kansas State

Sunday, Dec. 6
Kansas at UCLA
Arizona at Oklahoma

Wednesday, Dec. 16
Oklahoma State at Stanford

Tuesday, Dec. 22
Texas A&M at Washington

The 2009 UW Coaches Tour begins this week, and the first stop will be the Fircrest Country Club in Tacoma.

Football coach Steve Sarkisian, men's basketball coach Lorenzo Romar, women’s hoops coach Tia Jackson will appear at most stops and few surprise guests are promised.

There is a golf tournament that pairs fans with UW coaches, but those not interested in golf are still welcome to attend the Husky Insider Dinner.

Here's the schedule:

Thursday – Fircrest Golf Club, Tacoma
May 4 – Bellingham Country Club, Bellingham
May 11 – Everett Golf & Country Club, Everett
May 18 – Manito Golf & Country Club, Spokane
June 1 – Yakima Country Club, Yakima
June 8 – McCormick Woods Golf Course, Port Orchard
June 10 – Longview Country Club, Longview

This is the 38th year of the Coaches Tour, which supports a regional scholarship program that has raised more than $260,000 over the past five years.

For more information or to register online, visit UWalum.com or call the UW Alumni Association at 1-206-543-0540 or 1-800-AUW-ALUM.

Two stellar spring scrimmages were a start for quarterback Jake Locker, but Saturday was the real test.

Could the junior from Ferndale – the man virtually every Husky fan is banking on to lead this team out of its sustained rut – repeat what he'd been doing in a real-game situation, in front of thousands of clamoring fans?

Locker did that, and plenty more.

He completed 16-of-18 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns, ran for another score, and his Purple team made up mostly of first-string players throttled the White squad, 33-0, in front of an estimated 10,000 spectators at Husky Stadium.

=> Read more!

Scoring plays: P–Jermaine Kearse 8-pass from Jake Locker (Eric Guttorp kick).

Best play: After two long Chris Polk runs, Locker rifled his second scoring pass of the game to Kearse in the left flat of the end zone with 30 seconds to go.

Defense, you say: The Purple team posted a shutout. Enough said.

Statistics and stuff:

PURPLE
Jake Locker, 16-for-18, 200 yards, two TDs
Chris Polk, 12 carries, 95 yards, TD
Willie Griffin, four carries, 39 yards
Demetrius Bronson, four carries, 32 yards, TD
Jermaine Kearse, five catches, 70 yards, TD
Chris Izbicki, three catches, 28 yards
Paul Homer, three catches, 21 yards
Devin Aguilar, two catches, 36 yards
Donald Butler, 41/2 tackles, 11/2 TFL
Mason Foster, three tackles, two sacks, 21/2 TFL

WHITE
Ronnie Fouch, 7-for-16, 52 yards
Brandon Johnson, five carries, 11 yards
Curtis Shaw, four carries, 10 yards
Jordan Polk, one carry, 4 yards
Anthony Boyles, three catches, 25 yards
Ben Hayes, three catches, 17 yards
Adam Long, six tackles
Trenton Tuiasosopo, 51/2 tackles

Scoring plays: None

Best play: Let's give one to the White squad. Quarterback Ronnie Fouch completed a 7-yard pass to tight end Ben Hayes on fourth-and-2 to keep a drive alive – one that ended on a turnover.

Defense, you say: Safety Nate Williams was the recipient of a fumble recovery of Fouch, but it was running back David Freeman who knocked the ball out of Fouch's grasp. Freeman was in pass blocking, and his helmet hit Fouch's hand.

Statistics and stuff: Quarterback Jake Locker is now 14-for-16 for 168 yards.

Scoring plays: P–Chris Polk 9-run (Erik Folk kick).
P–Bronson 12-run (Erik Folk kick).
P–Willie Griffin 29-pass from Jake Locker (Erik Folk kick failed).

Best play: On Griffin's catch in the flat, the best part of the half's final scoring play was the block receiver Devin Aguilar put on linebacker Bradly Boussel to free up the remaining room for the touchdown.

Defense, you say: By the second-string unit, none. The Purple defense has allowed 13 yards and one first down.

Statistics and stuff: Locker is 12-of-13 for 164 yards and two touchdowns (one was a rushing score). His incompletion was a drop by Jermaine Kearse. … Griffin has four carries for 39 yards, and the one scoring reception. … Folk has two missed PATs (one wide left, and one hit the right upright).

Scoring plays: P–Jake Locker 10-run (Erik Folk kick failed)

Best play: Nothing really stood out. Running backs Willie Griffin and Chris Polk had their moments, and much of Locker's success came off play action.

Defense, you say: The UW's first-string defense forced a three-and-out, and Matt Houston had a sack of Locker on the Purple's second drive

Statistics and stuff: Coach Steve Sarkisian called nine run plays for the Purple team in the first quarter, and eight pass plays. … Locker was 5-of-6 for 48 yards. … Griffin had runs of 12, 15 and 8 yards. … Folk missed a PAT wide right.

We have a few minutes before kickoff. Here is how the teams are going to be divided up, set by coach Steve Sarkisian:

PURPLE
QB: Locker
RB: Polk Griffin, Bronson, Homer
TE: Izbicki, Middleton
WR: Aguilar, Polk, Kearse, Bruns
OL: Habben, Ossai, Tolar, Kelemente, Schaefer, Ikehara
DL: Matthews, Ta'amu, Te'o-Nesheim, Jones, Elisara
LB: Butler, Foster, Tuiasosopo, Huppert
DB: Fogerson, Walker, Williams, Glenn, Richardson, Mosley

WHITE
QB: Fouch, Bean
RB: Shaw, Freeman, Sylvester, Togi
TE: Hayes, Savant
WR: Bruns, Leonard, Boyles, Chidiac
OL: Ikehara, Armelin, Christine, Shugert, Rosborough, Kanczugowski, Scott
DL: Galbraith, Remington, Wood, Duncan, Noble
LB: Wiggs, Roussel, Mangum, Poe, Houston, Amosa
DB: Aiyewe, Logan, Johnson, Lappano, Gobern, Long, Pearsley

• Basically, it's the No. 1 offense against the No. 2 defense, and the No. 2 offense against the No. 1 defense.

Arrived a couple hours before the game, and purple dots are already invading the campus. Good to see fans arriving early to catch all the pre-game functions in, and around, Husky Stadium.

I've been hanging out in the media workroom over at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Players have been in and out of meeting rooms. Their emotions have interested me this morning. Yes, they're hyped up to play a game. But there is almost a sense of relief, too, they're experiencing. Maybe it's because this is the "show" to cap the "rehearsals" of spring camp.

Saw Marques Tuiasosopo wandering the halls, too, with his wife and child. Still a popular figure around here!

Anyway, let's open it up to you: What are you most looking forward to today?

We will be up in the press box today. I will provide updates at the end of each quarter, assuming the wireless internet connection is up and running.

There are marching band tunes that last longer than the Huskies' final spring practice Friday before their annual Spring Game. It lasted a grand total of 54 minutes.

"I want to see them fresh tomorrow, play fast," UW coach Steve Sarkisian said.

Here are some of the coach's tidbits about the game Saturday:

• The teams will be divided up among first- and second-string players from the offense and defense. Sarkisian added "there will probably be some guys that flip-flop sides to even out the numbers."

=> Read more!

Things were calm all over Husky Stadium as the team finished up its final practice of the spring before the "Purple and Gold" game scheduled for Saturday.

Athletic director Scott Woodward has been a regular at practices, chatting with boosters, talking to students and, once in a while, holding court with reporters.

Bob Condotta, the Seattle Times reporter, and I, sought him out midway through practice, and got him for a few minutes to discuss how the six-year agreement between the UW and Washington State moving the Apple Cup to Qwest Field starting in 2010 so suddenly fell through.

He certainly seemed perplexed by the sudden announcement to cease talks coming from WSU on Friday, specifically from AD Jim Sterk.

But as he also iterated, "I never did (think it was a done deal). I was clear with you guys the whole time that it was far from done."

And apparently he was dead-on.

=> Read more!

Never mind on that supposed Apple Cup-to-Qwest Field proceeding. The deal is officially dead.

A week ago, it seemed like a mere formality that the University of Washington and Washington State would wrap up discussions about signing a six-year agreement with First & Goal about moving the annual Apple Cup to Qwest Field in an effort to stimulate more money for both schools' athletic departments.

But the two sides couldn't work out what the ticket allotment for the rivalry game would be.

According to the Spokesman-Review of Spokane, each school had initially agreed on a split down the middle – 31,000 seats. But because of the growing request for season tickets by Husky fans for coach Steve Sarkisian's first campaign as coach, the UW requested more.

A compromise could not be worked out – after which WSU athletic director Jim Sterk released a statement Friday saying the school's administration has "decided not to pursue further conversations about moving the Apple Cup to Qwest Field.

"It became evident an understanding on ways to maintain the neutral-site atmosphere in regards to ticket allotment could not be reached. Therefore, our student-athletes and Cougar fans would not be best served without this key component."

I will get UW reaction today after practice.

The Spring Game is almost here, and here are a few pre-event tidbits to consider:

GAME
• Coach Steve Sarkisian said after practice Wednesday that this scrimmage will be treated more like a game, except that kickoffs and punts will be not utilized. Drives at the beginning of each half, and after scores, will start from the 20-yard line.

• As how the teams will be divided, the coach said that had not been determined yet.

• The late-week weather forecast calls for temperatures in the low 50s for the 1 p.m. kickoff, with a small chance of rain.

=> Read more!

The one thing new Washington Huskies football coach Steve Sarkisian has iterated over and over from the get-go since his hiring in December – by his words, by bringing old traditions and former players back for practices – is a return to the program's heyday roots.

That will continue Saturday when the new – er, old – uniforms will be unveiled before kickoff of the Spring Game.

When asked after practice Wednesday to shed some light on the new look, Sarkisian displayed a lip-zipped grin, opting to keep the suspense until the actual revelation.

"They're not that drastic," said Sarkisian, noting the players would have likely worn them for the final scrimmage, but that Nike couldn't turn them around in time. "We're still purple and gold."

=> Read more!

As the final team session unfolded Monday – surprise, surprise, one touted receiver was stationed in a different position.

Sophomore Alvin Logan, who has been slowed by a knee injury, reported right away with the second-unit defense at free safety, raising more than a few curious eyebrows to why the Aurora, Colo. product was a member of the defensive backfield.

He played three series total.

"We have four practices left. … We just wanted to get some stuff on film on him on that side of the ball. Instead of waiting until fall camp, (we figured), 'Let's get it on film now in the spring so we can get a fair evaluation of him,' because obviously there is a little more opportunity in that safety spot than there is in that wide receiver spot right now," UW coach Steve Sarkisian said.

=> Read more!

UW men's basketball coach Lorenzo Romar has hired Raphael Chillious as the new assistant basketball coach.

Chillious is a former head coach at South Kent School in Connecticut -- where Isaiah Thomas and Matthew Bryan-Amaning played -- and he has been working at Nike.

He will fill the opening created when Cameron Dollar accepted the head job at Seattle U.

Here is the university's full news release from GoHuskies.com.

Meanwhile, former UW assistant Ken Bone has named former UW player Curtis Allen of Tacoma to join Bone's staff at Washington State.

Here's the release put out today by WSU:

Curtis Allen has been named assistant men’s basketball coach at Washington State University, Cougar Head Coach Ken Bone announced Monday.

Bone served as an assistant coach during Allen’s final two seasons as a member of the University of Washington basketball team. A Tacoma, Wash. native, Allen joined Bone’s staff at Portland State, where he served as an assistant coach for four seasons. At PSU, Allen was involved with all aspects of coaching on the floor for the Vikings. He primarily worked with the guards and the defensive side of the game, and was heavily involved in recruiting.

Allen, who played at Washington from 2000-04, spent one year as an assistant varsity coach at University Prep in Seattle. He also coached at Ballard High School during the summer of 2005, participated in UW and Seattle Pacific Basketball camps and operated his own camp at the Ballard Boys and Girls Clubs.

While a member of the Husky basketball team, Allen competed in 117 games, starting 51. He was the most accurate free throw shooter in UW history, making 202-of-233 for a .867 mark. Allen also made 151 career 3-point field goals to rank second all-time. He was eighth all-time in assists (286) and 10th in steals (99). Allen was part of the 2003-04 Husky team that made its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1999.

Allen received a degree in general studies from Washington in 2005. He and his wife Alissa were married in August 2007 and have a child born this past winter.

What the University of Washington hired in Steve Sarkisian was not only an energetic and innovative coaching mind, but it wanted to cash in on some – if not, all – the well-established treasures that come from the offense he ran at Southern California.

We know Sarkisian will stay committed to the run game (pay attention, tailbacks Chris Polk, Willie Griffin, Brandon Johnson and Demetrius Bronson). We know the run game will set up play-action pass (should be easier for you than it's been, quarterback Jake Locker). We know he likes to feature the tight end (hear that, Kavario Middleton). And we know he'll try and hit on a few big plays on seam and slant routes (yes, that means you, receivers D'Andre Goodwin, Jermaine Kearse, Devin Aguilar and maybe even Anthony Boyles).

Entering the final week of the Huskies' spring camp, Sarkisian will install the rest of the meat of his playbook to his offense. By his estimation, "75 to 80 percent" of it will have been played out on the field.

Or as Locker put it, the "seventh (chapter)" of a 10-chapter sequence.

=> Read more!

Game balls are certainly becoming increasingly more difficult to hand out on the Washington Huskies' offensive side of the ball:

• Running back Chris Polk certainly showed burst in his first game back in an attempt to get back in the running for a starting spot.

• Tailback Demetrius Bronson flashed the ability to run and catch the ball at Husky Stadium.

• Don't forget the smallish but speedy Willie Griffin, who had the day's best rushing average among regular backfield contributors.

• But the production likely will begin – and end – on the abilities of quarterback Jake Locker, who once again showed off a strong arm in delivering passes to the outside, but also displaying a handle on the little things that will round him into a complete passer.

=> Read more!

Predictably, no tears were shed from the Washington Huskies' end hearing the news that the Apple Cup is moving to Qwest Field starting in 2010.

And why would there be? The UW gets to play the intra-state rivalry game for the next seven years in Seattle, including one this season at Husky Stadium before the new six-year agreement takes effect.

"It's definitely a privilege to play (at Qwest Field) because that's where our local professional team plays," Huskies safety Nate Williams said. "Either way, I just want to line up and play. I don't care if it's here, there or wherever."

The decision to move it to a neutral site means the likes of receiver Jermaine Kearse will never get another opportunity to play in Pullman's Martin Stadium again, or in quarterback Jake Locker's case, he won't ever play there, period.

=> Read more!

Apparently, the coaching staff won't be the only new addition to the 2009 University of Washington football season.

On Friday, the Huskies athletic department announced a new FieldTurf playing surface will be installed in May, replacing the existing synthetic field that was laid down in the summer of 2000.

The cost – $350,000 – will come out of the department's operating budget.

"The existing field in Husky Stadium has certainly served our program well for the last nine years," UW athletic director Scott Woodward said. "But, the reality is that the surface has exceeded its projected lifespan and needs to be replaced."

Forty-two NCAA stadiums have FieldTurf as their football surface. For more information, the official UW press release has more details.

By now, everybody is aware that the Apple Cup, starting in 2010 under a six-year agreement, will move to Qwest Field in Seattle.

The return: Each school gets a $2 million guarantee, as opposed to the $800,000 from a Husky home game, or the nearly $250,000 from a Cougar home game.

In these economic times, the move was a must-make. Tuition costs will be going up 14 percent, meaning the athletic department from both schools incur an extra $1 million cost in scholarships. This agreement will at least cover that expense.

Money aside – and that is a huge concession – is this the right move?

Your thoughts?

I've talked to a source in the WSU football office Thursday afternoon who admitted the coaches were torn by the decision. They understand the reasoning, but still – anyone who's attended an Apple Cup in Pullman knows it is a huge advantage for the Cougars.

I'll talk to some UW players and coaches Friday at spring practice. Can't imagine the sentiment from a competitive standpoint will be that much different. But playing the game annually in Seattle (and not going to Pullman every other year) should be a benefit for the Husky faithful.

The University of Washington today released this statement from head coach Lorenzo Romar, reacting to assistant Cameron Dollar today assuming the head job at Seattle University.

“Cameron has a presence that commands respect. After having played and coached from coast to coast, his basketball network is extremely extensive for a young coach. His rapport with players and recruits is a valuable asset to a coaching staff. He also has the uncanny ability to believe. He’s the type of guy that all you have to do is tell him he can’t, and it’ll probably get done.”

UW also released these comments from Dollar:

“University of Washington basketball will always hold a special place in my heart. I want to thank all the players, coaches, administrators and fans who made my experience as a Husky such a great time in my life. I will really miss the daily interaction with everyone at the UW. Coach Romar has always been like a father to me. I hope to show my gratitude by how I run my program.

“Seattle University is an outstanding academic institution that is laying a strong foundation to return its basketball program to national prominence. It’s a great challenge—and an exciting opportunity.”

After seven seasons as an assistant coach at Washington, Cameron Dollar was introduced today the new head coach at Seattle University.

Dollar had been considered for head jobs almost annually in recent years and his long-time dream came true today. The job had come open when Joe Callero accepted the head job at Cal Poly, and Dollar's name surfaced almost immediately.

Seattle U went 21-8 last season as it transitions to full Division I status. One of the losses came to the Huskies, 87-60.

The Huskies and Redhawks have signed a contract to play again in each of the next five seasons.

Coach Lorenzo Romar has said that he doesn't like coaching against his former assistants. However, he did so with Ken Bone at Portland State and now and Washington State, and now also will do so with Dollar across town.

Strangely, Husky Stadium felt a little like the University of Southern California on Wednesday.

That is where new Husky coach Steve Sarkisian became quite familiar with the routine, star-observing football practices while a Trojans' assistant the past few years.

Sarkisian brought a little of that out Wednesday, inviting none other than former All-American safety Lawyer Milloy, the Lincoln High product who was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons.

Milloy has been in the NFL since 1996.

But this spring, he's apparently been waiting for a team to contact him. In the meantime, he's been hanging out at the UW, playing noon basketball and making frequent visits to the football offices.

On Wednesday, Milloy was more than a bystander. He was an active participant in the two-hour practice, barking out orders, offering the defense encouragement and getting his competitive juices going by yelling at the defensive backs to halt any receivers coming toward the goal-line.

=> Read more!

Senior forward John Brockman was selected most valuable player of the 2008-09 Washington men’s basketball team and took home two other awards tonight at the Huskies’ annual awards banquet. (The season-highlight video above was shown at the banquet.)

Brockman became the first three-time MVP award winner since Eldridge Recasner (1988-90). Brockman also became the first four-time winner of the rebounding award. He also won the Tyee Sports Council Community Service Award.

Freshman Isaiah Thomas of Tacoma was selected playmaker of the year.

Senior Justin Dentmon received the most inspirational player award and shared the most-improved award with junior Quincy Pondexter. Pondexter also won the Industrial Award. Venoy Overton also was a double winner, for defense and hustle.

Darnell Gant won the Coaches Award for best attitude. The scholar-athlete award went to senior Artem Wallace, a Russian language and literature major.

These Huskies won the school’s first outright Pacific-10 Conference regular season men’s basketball championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

More than 300 people attended the banquet at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

The Huskies aren't going to get away with anything sloppy in the passing game, not when new coach Steve Sarkisian, an ex-quarterback himself, is around.

Route-running was a big emphasis Monday, two days following the UW's first spring scrimmage. It was after that controlled competition that Sarkisian noted the inconsistency of the receivers' performances.

On Monday, the coach didn't entirely fault the receiving corps for a few dropped balls in scrimmage action.

"I think (the receivers) are a little young. The quarterbacks … are young to the system. I don't know if it's always the inconsistency in the route-running, but the timing of the quarterback as well," Sarkisian said. "We're trying to get the two things to mesh."

The slant pattern is a prominent route in Sarkisian's system, and that was the focus of the passing game during team drills.

"He wanted us running straight up the field, and get there quick," said receiver Jermaine Kearse, the Lakes High product.

"Basically, it was about running fast," receiver Devin Aguilar said. "Sometimes, people have a tendency to lag, so it was about speed."

Sarkisian said the rhythm has been a little off in the first half of spring, and added it was continue to big a big emphasis as camp closes.

Some other developments:

• Again, almost predictably, the day's best play came from the running back – redshirt freshman Demetrius Bronson – who's been singled out by Sarkisian almost every day after practice.

Bronson, the Kentwood High product, broke off what would have been a 92-yard touchdown run had the whistle not been blown (at the time, coaches were more intent on watching the first-string offense grind out a drive from deep in its own end). Bronson also added another 12-yard run off a delayed draw.

"I think he's starting to surprise himself now," Sarkisian said. "Today, he got in the open field and made a right-hand turn. He might have scored a touchdown if he ran straight.

"He keeps playing hard. He's a good, young kid. … I'm really impressed with his mental toughness."

• One key player aggravated an injury. Another suffered a new one during seven-on-seven action.

Receiver D'Andre Goodwin's return from a hamstring injury was short-lived. As he was running a deep route, he pulled up, limped and fell to the ground. He slammed his helmet on the ground in frustration. Sarkisian said the slippery conditions and low-40 temperatures didn't help, and that the junior would be shut down until at least Friday.

Backup offensive lineman Skyler Fancher, a sophomore out of Costa Mesa, Calif., went down on a run play, clutching his right leg. Trainers immediately stabilized the leg and transported him away in a cart for X-rays. Sarkisian said the injury didn't look good.

Guys who didn't practice, red jersey or not, included linebacker Joshua Gage, cornerbacks Matt Mosley, Anthony Gobern and Vonzell McDowell, safety Jason Wells, running back Brandon Johnson and receiver Jordan Polk.

• Your latest first-string offensive line update from Monday: It was the same as when camp opened with left tackle Cody Habben, left guard Ben Ossai, center Ryan Tolar, right guard Morgan Rosborough and right tackle Drew Schaefer.

• There was a new addition to the starting defensive backfield Monday – redshirt freshman Justin Glenn, out of Kamiak High. Sarkisian was impressed with Glenn's performance, which included a forced fumble, at the scrimmage, and ran him with the first unit.

NOTES
The biggest crunch Monday came cornerback Quinton Richardson smacked running back Willie Griffin on a swing pass toward the right sideline. It created a commotion of high-fives and howling after the play. … Cameron Elisara and Daniel Te'o-Nesheim had safeties near the end of practice. … A few of quarterback Jake Locker's passes sailed high Monday. … Sarkisian is in midseason form, even if his players – and the officiating crew – aren't. The coach had to correct a half-the-distance-to-the-goal spot after a penalty.

(Once again, this report comes to you from the TNT's Todd Milles. -- DR)

Some ordinary spring scrimmage for the Washington Huskies.

Not.

It was the first staged – and controlled – competition in the Steve Sarkisian era Saturday afternoon, and 1,800 curious fans flocked to Husky Stadium to see how the new-look Huskies would fare.

And after a slow start, the No. 1 offense got rolling behind quarterback Jake Locker, who was 10-of-18 for 142 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown strike to Lakes High product Jermaine Kearse.

After the two-hour scrimmage concluded amid blustery conditions, Sarkisian was generally pleased with the debut outing of his team.

"We were able to get a lot of areas in special situations done, whether it was special teams, two-minute situations, some goal-line stuff, some short-yardage stuff, so I thought we got a lot accomplished," Sarkisian said. "Now we can go back to the film and clean some stuff up."

=> Read more!

Redshirt freshman quarterback Luther Leonard, formerly of Evergreen High School, has been shifted to wide receiver.

“We thought, ‘We’ve got a really good athlete on our roster, let’s try to utilize him,’” UW coach Steve Sarkisian said. “So we put him out on some special teams (Friday), we incorporated him some at the wide receiver spot, and he looked really good. I’m anxious to watch him grow at this position.”

Friday practice highlights included a 45-yard fingertip catch by Anthony Boyles, a 25-yard completion from Jake Locker to Cody Bruns in the corner of the end zone, and an interception of Locker by cornerback Marquis Parsley. … Sarkisian had more praise for tailback Demetrius Bronson, which is becoming a daily occurrence. Sarkisian said Locker improved his accuracy Friday even though the receivers “didn’t catch particularly well.” And on defense, he noted the play of Persley and of defensive end Darrion Jones for the second straight practice. ... Linebacker Bradly Roussel didn’t practice, which Sarkisian attributed to an academic matter.

Looking ahead, the Huskies will take part in their first of three spring scrimmages starting at 1 p.m. Saturday. Sarkisian said the team will work through a variety of situations for a total of about 90 plays in full pads.

“There will be tackling, and we’ll play football,” he said. “I don’t know if it will be so much different, but I think it’s a mindset for our guys that this is kind of their first test. We’ve gone through six days now, and now it’s time to test them.”

The scrimmage, like all spring practices, is open to the public.

It's a cloudy, drizzly day on the UW campus, and coach Sarkisian has decided to run his practice in Dempsey Indoor.

It's scheduled to be a light practice devoted mostly to special teams before the team gets back into heavy contact with the first full scrimmage of spring at 1 p.m. Saturday, back in Husky Stadium.

The Washington Huskies lose Jon Brockman and Justin Dentmon and climb to the seventh-best basketball team in the NCAA next season?

That's the projection by Jeff Goodman, senior college basketball writer for Fox online.

Here's his list, which he admits is ridiculously early.

I think he undervalues what UW lost. Can even a best-case freshman season for Gaddy be that much of an upgrade from Dentmon as an all-conference senior? Is their anything short of witchcraft that turns any frontcourt player into anything approximating Brockman?

I do think next season's Huskies will be good. I think they'll be in the upper third of the Pac-10, I think they'll wake up on Selection Sunday on the safe side of the NCAA bubble, and I could see them making a deeper NCAA tournament run than this team. (Just as I could have seen this team going one game deeper.)

But seventh nationally? I don't see that yet. Although it's a great conversation starter for April.

The first notable fight of spring highlights Day 5 for the Huskies.

The fight happened in the back of the end zone in a bit of a scrum, so it was hard making out the players. Quinton Richardson for sure, maybe Anthony Boyles. One of the reasons it was hard to tell was that the full offensive and defensive units and then even the players not on the field rushed over, and that's what upset coach Steve Sarkisian. He said one-on-one scuffles are understandable, but additional players joining is a good way to get 15, 30 and 45 yards worth of penalties.

So, Sark stopped practice and had the team run some sprints across the width of the field. After each gasser, he offered a lesson that came down to this: "Fighting with pads on is not toughness. Toughness is being tired late in the fourth quarter and still being able to focus."

The practice took place in front of former Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren -- who watched the whole time, but did not appear to address the team. Sarkisian said he was honored to have the coach, and the players were clearly aware of his presence.

(Quincy Pondexter was also among the relatively small group of fans watching today, on what was a cool, cloudy and breezy afternoon.)

Sarkisian said the defense won the day, which was themed as "Turnover Wednesday" -- the defense got them, the offense committed them.

Huge guard Morgan Rosborough was running with the first offense in place of Senio Kelemete. Sarkisian said Rosborough had been doing well with -- and against -- the No. 2's, so he wanted to see what he could do among the ones.

Sarkisian also had continuing praise for tight end Chris Izbicki and tailback Demitrius Bronson. However, the coach said the quarterbacking was up and down today.

The Huskies will be off Thursday, go through a lighter workout Friday and then have their first scrimmage of camp on Saturday.

Lakes High School receiver Jamaal Kearse will join his brother and fellow-receiver Jermaine Kearse at the University of Washington, according to reports of at least two Internet recruiting sites.

"I called (coach Steve Sarkisian) and said, ‘I'm committing,’” Jamaal Kearse said, according to a Realdawg.com report. “And Coach Sark was real excited. … I feel so relieved; just no more pressure and I can concentrate on the season."
Jamaal Kearse is 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. Scout.com rates him as a four-star recruit.

He is the third Lakes Lancer to join this UW recruiting class, following defensive tackle Sione Potoae and outside linebacker Darius Waters.

Jermaine Kearse joined the Huskies last season and caught 20 passes for 301 yards with two touchdowns as a freshman.

Meanwhile, offensive lineman Ben Riva of O’Dea High School in Seattle also has committed to UW, according to both Realdawg and Dawgman.com.

Riva is 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds.

Kearse and Riva are the sixth and seventh known players to give their oral commitments to join UW’s 2010 freshman class.

The Huskies went through their first work in full pads this afternoon, and most of them seemed happy about that.

"The other stuff is kind of just footwork, and that’s not really fun," defensive lineman Daniel Te'o-Nesheim said. "This is where the real fun starts."

The tailbacks were especially happy about that, too, and that position is the focus of my story in the Tuesday paper.

A few other Monday notes:

The defense won the practice, pulling even with the offense at two practices each.

Chris Izbicki ran with the first unit, which Sarkisian said was due partly to his playing well and partly due the Huskies are down to only two tight ends right now. (The other being Kavario Middleton.)

Receiver D’Andre Goodwin was held out with a tight hamstring, and tailback Chris Polk sat out while still feeling the affects of hit on his leg in the Saturday practice.

The Huskies will be off Tuesday. They’ll return Wednesday for spring practice No. 5.

Here's my Sunday coverage from the Saturday practice, dealing mostly with what may be the best unit on the team: the linebackers.

And some Saturday notes:

A crowd estimated at 1,500 turned out to watch the Huskies first Saturday open practice of spring, and also by far the best weather of spring.

“It felt great," coach Steve Sarkisian said. "I’ve got my shorts on, and my sunglasses... It felt great.”

Technically, the offense won the day’s scored practice, clinching on a last-play pass from Jake Locker to Jermaine Kearse for the second straight practice. However, after the practice both Sarkisian and Locker said they thought the defense had gotten the better of the offense for most of the day.

Linebacker E.J. Savannah sat out with what is apparently a minor ankle issue.

A few other notes:

Sarkisian said his philosophy isn’t necessarily to use a whole pack of running backs as they did at USC, but it said he wants to identify “a couple of guys” who can share the load and perhaps a couple of situational specialists.

Five walk-on players participated today, but Sarkisian said none stood out in his mind on their first day.

The team returns to the practice field at 4 p.m. Monday, wearing full pads for the first time.

The Huskies return to spring practice at 1 p.m. Saturday, and given the improved weekend weather it could be that the largest crowd yet will take Steve Sarkisian up on his y'all-come invitation to attend.

Practices so far have run a little over two hours. Admission to Husky Stadium is free, but normal parking rules -- which are generally relaxed on weekends -- apply. Fans should enter though the northeast entrance near the softball stadium. No video or still photography is allowed, and cell phones must be turned off.

All spring football practices are open, leading the the spring game on April 25.

And on Friday, the university released additional information on other events associated with the game.

The Purple and Gold game -- which Sarkisian said will be "as much of a game as our personnel will allow -- will begin at 1 p.m. and will be broadcast live on KJR 950-AM and online coverage at GoHuskies.com.

Other April 25 events will include a 10 a.m. athletic department surplus sale; 11 a.m. Big "W" Club will have a special tailgate for its members and their families; a season-ticket open house; a pregame youth clinic on the Husky Stadium turf; and performances by the Husky Band during the game and at halftime. After the game, coaches and players will meet fans on the field.

Unlike previous years, the annual "Spring Fling" has been moved to a different day: Saturday, May 2. That's when fans can receive free admission to the 10 a.m. Windermere Cup, the 2 p.m. baseball game against USC, the 3 p.m. softball game against Oregon, and the all-day track & field dual meet against Washington State.

Details are available at GoHuskies.com.

There's been a lot of talk about how Jon Brockman should be honored. This is a good start:

Chip Hilton Sports and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) are proud to announce Jon Brockman of the University of Washington as this year's Chip Hilton Award winner and Coach Mike Anderson of the University of Missouri as the 2009 recipient of the Coach Clair Bee Award.

Four of the nation's premier basketball coaches and five outstanding graduating players were named as finalists for the thirteenth annual prestigious Clair Bee and Chip Hilton Awards, to be presented by Chip Hilton Sports and the NABC during the Final Four in Detroit on April 5 at the NABC Past Presidents' Luncheon at the COBO Center. Washington coach Lorenzo Romar is expected to accept the award on Brockman's behalf.

Here's the full release from GoHuskies.com.

The Huskies' second practice of spring took an abrupt switch after about an hour and 15 minutes of work in Husky Stadium, when coach Steve Sarkisian gathered his team and steered them into Dempsey Indoor.

"We wanted to do some of our individual stuff, our one-on-one work outside," coach Steve Sarkisian explained later. :But we only get 15 of these practices and we have to maximize our time. I’m not worried about us being a physically or mentally tough football team, I know we’ll get there. But these are valuable reps we’re getting and we needed to get in here with some good air. We through (the rain) was going to slow down. It didn’t slow down, so we called an audible at halftime and came in here."

The fans were invited in too. There seem to be about half as many fans here today as there was in the spring opener on Tuesday 150-175 or so.

The highlight of the wet dreary outdoor part so far was a pretty good fit pitched by offensive line coach Dan Cozzetto, who was notably unhappy when a player didn't do something that he apparently been discussed at a previous meeting. Cozzetto made it clear to everyone within earshot -- much of the lakefront area -- that he expects players to listen in meetings and that he doesn't like having to repeat himself. This went on for at least a minute, although it may have seemed considerably longer for the player.

The indoor part ended with a final offense vs. defense competition, which was tied 12-12 going into the final play. If the offense completed a pass or ran for four or more yards on that final play, they would win. An incomplete pass or a shorter run, and the defense would win.

On that play, Jake Locker completed a pass to Jermaine Kearse on a long crossing patter, and the offense got bragging rights, and seemed mighty happy afterward.

"It was fun," Kearse said. "It was very competitive. Every team thing we do we have competitive. ... It’s all pride right there. It shows who wants it and who doesn’t."

A few other notes:

The Huskies will return to practice at 1 p.m. Saturday, when they will wear shoulder pads for the first itme. … Five new walkon players also are expected to get their first work on Saturday. … The place kicking has been a trouble spot in each of the first two practices, but Sarkisian said he is confident things will work out. “Everyone wants to just look at the kicker, but there’s a battery and there’s an operating that goes into it with the timing of the snap, the hold the kick,” he said. “When you’re new and your teaching some new techniques, the timing can be off. We’ll get there. In time we’ll get there.” … Sarkisian’s father attended the practice.

UW guard Justin Dentmon has been selected to play in the Hershey's College All-Star Game on Friday at Ford Field in Detroit, site of this weekend's Final Four. The annual game is sponsored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

The game is scheduled for a 1:35 p.m. (Pacific) tipoff and will be televised live by CBS College Sports.

More information is available at the GoHuskies.com site.