Yeah, it is a bye week for Washington following its 31-14 victory over Utah. And coach Steve Sarkisian, satisfied by what his Huskies have accomplished, is ready for a change-of-pace three days of practice.
But just because he's enjoying the team’s 4-1 start does not mean he is ready to resolve some of the team’s difficult personnel decisions on defense.
So do not expect a decision awarding the majority of playing time at three positions: free safety, strongside linebacker and weakside linebacker, especially coming out of a week off.
• Who’s the main free safety?
Two seasons ago, Justin Glenn staked his claim as the starter opposite Nate Williams, only to see his season wiped out by a gruesome broken-leg injury suffered at Notre Dame.
Last season, Nate Fellner started all 13 games at free safety. Fellner was the clear-cut incumbent at the outset of fall camp. But his play – and sometimes his actions – became spotty at the same time Glenn was making big plays.
In this season's second game, against Hawaii, UW lost Fellner to a hamstring injury – and Glenn, who has started the past three games, has brought stability to the position. He is tied with Desmond Trufant for third on the team with 30 tackles.
“I’ve been proud of him,” Sarkisian said. “He’s playing at a high level, he really is.”
Yet, Sarkisian lamented during his weekly press conference Monday his decision on not playing Fellner against Utah on Saturday, especially late when the defensive backfield let a few big plays go by.
“Getting Nate back in the rotation and having those three guys really rolling through there will only help us, not only for the long haul of the season, but within ballgames so that we are fresh and playing clear-minded football,” Sarkisian said.
• Who's the main strongside linebacker?
Midway through fall camp, Sarkisian identified five linebackers who would play this season. Jamaal Kearse was not listed.
“To play linebacker, you’ve got to be willing to put your face on people and be willing to take on linemen and fullbacks and tight ends,” Sarkisian said. “I don’t know if we saw that early on from Jamaal.”
After John Timu suffered a neck injury after a scary collision in the third quarter against California, Kearse came on and was a big contributor on the final goal-line stand of the 31-23 win.
On Saturday, Kearse scored his first career touchdown when he returned an opening-kickoff fumble 18 yards.
So now what?
“When we get Timu back, it’s good,” said Sarkisian, in no hurry to declare a starter. “Again, another position with depth, and you’ve got to have it in this conference. If you don’t, you’re in trouble.”
• Who's the main weakside linebacker?
Garret Gilliland has been a big-play presence. He had an interception in the season opener against Eastern Washington before suffering a concussion. And he caused the fumble last week on special teams that Kearse scooped up for a touchdown.
“My perception of him has changed,” Sarkisian said. “I thought he would be more of a consistent guy, but I was off now that he’s been playing more. He’s a big-play guy that maybe needs to find more consistency.”
Gilliland is expected to see the most snaps in the Huskies’ base defense, and Princeton Fuimaono will be that outside linebacker on third downs and in more nickel coverage.
EXTRA POINTS
Quarterback Keith Price (knees, ankle) will get most of the week off from team practice, Sarkisian said. Backup Nick Montana will see the majority of snaps with the No. 1 offense. … All the X-rays on receiver Kasen Williams (ankle) came back negative for broken bones, but he likely will be limited this week as well. … Game time for the Colorado game Oct. 15 at Husky Stadium has been set for 12:30 p.m., and will be televised by Root Sports. … Sarkisian was wearing a pink ribbon on his Huskies polo shirt Monday. He has been selected as grand marshal for the Komen Race For The Cure next summer, raising money to fight breast cancer.
Todd Milles: 253-597-8442 todd.milles@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/uwsports
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