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.

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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.