It would be a little extreme to classify it as a problem, but not unfair to call it a concern.
The already depleted Huskies running back corps took a minor hit Saturday when senior tailback Johri Fogerson did not practice because of a “mild hip strain,” coach Steve Sarkisian said.
The unit had already lost starter Chris Polk for most likely the first few games after minor knee surgery and backup Deontae Cooper is out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
It leaves Sarkisian with sophomore Jesse Callier – the likely starter – true freshman Bishop Sankey, walk-on redshirt freshman Willis Wilson and true freshman Dezden Petty. But it’s just Callier and Sankey who will likely see the bulk of the carries in the season opener against Eastern Washington on Sept. 3.
Sarkisian confirmed as much, saying: “It leaves us with Jesse and Bishop.”
It’s all but a given that Sankey won’t redshirt this season. The injury to Polk made Sankey’s redshirt seem unlikely, but with Fogerson hurting, the Huskies probably have to have Sankey available because of depth issues.
It’s a huge opportunity for Sankey. But does the freshmen out of Gonzaga Prep grasp it?
“Realistically, probably not,” Sarkisian said. “Freshmen are a little nave to things. That’s the beauty of being a freshman. You aren’t as concerned about all the extraneous distractions and things that could be going on around you. You just line up and run the ball or catch the ball or block or do what you have to do. And Bishop has been doing that.”
Sankey has shown good speed, surprising strength and shifty moves in the open field.
“He’s definitely not afraid of anything,” Sarkisian said. “He’s a tough-minded kid. He’s very serious. He prepares himself mentally and physically. … I think Bishop has done a nice job.”
Sarkisian wouldn’t completely rule out Polk or cornerback Quinton Richardson against Eastern. Still, their return seems unlikely considering the circumstances.
EXTRA POINTS
Sarkisian won’t name a starting punter, saying he’ll use Kiel Rasp and Will Mahan situationally against Eastern. … True freshmen James Sample worked as the sixth defensive back in the “dime” package, meaning he probably won’t redshirt, either. … Kasen Williams, Devin Aguilar and Wilson returned punts during the special teams session. … Aguilar will likely start against Eastern, but continues to be inconsistent. He had a catchable pass from Keith Price go off his hands and into the arms of defensive back Greg Ducre. … Erik Folk missed two of five field goals during practice. … Senior receiver Reade Lobdill was out of practice and has a banged up meniscus. Polk and cornerback Adam Long did some conditioning work on the stairs. Richardson also did some work on the stairs, but it doesn’t seem likely he will be ready to play against EWU.
Ryan Divish: 253-597-8483 ryan.divish@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/uwsports
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