National media reports are suddenly all about quarterback Keith Price after his string of superb performances for the University of Washington.
And NFL scouts still have running back Chris Polk firmly on their radar for next spring’s draft.
But Saturday – when the Huskies have an opportunity to improve their record to 5-1 – the most important figure on the offense might not be who you think.
Center Drew Schaefer is a veteran on the line. He has 22 collegiate starts under his belt. He directs traffic like a busy crosswalk attendant.
And for what Colorado brings on defense – unrelenting NFL blitz schemes – he will be relied upon to identify where the rush is coming from before the start of every UW offensive play.
Blitz pickup, in general, has “been much better than we’ve been the last two years,” UW coach Steve Sarkisian said. “That comes with having a veteran center and his ability to direct things. We haven’t had too many guys just running free in the backfield.”
Colorado, the Pacific-12 Conference co-leader with 17 sacks, will try to do whatever it can to disrupt Price. It will show a variety of stunts, twists and other pressure-designed schemes to create mayhem.
This complex approach is more often seen in the NFL than in the college game.
That’s because, “You can get so spread out that is it hard to cover down on all of those things …,” Sarkisian said.
But the Buffaloes, in similar fashion to Stanford or even California, blitz at all costs. They fill gaps aggressively. They punish uncovered receivers – whether they get the ball or not. And they try to bring one more defender than the offense can block, whether it is out of a base formation or a nickel-coverage look.
“There is a real NFL influence to their defense with what they do on third-down situations, but they are aggressive on first and second down as well – a lot of five-man pressures,” Sarkisian said. “And they do a good job of getting after the quarterback.
“They rush with a purpose, that’s for sure, when their guys are coming.”
If the Huskies can cover the blitzes – and that’s a big if – Price should be able to cash in on some big plays downfield.
“Drew … is doing a great job (telling us) where we need to go to, where we need to slide to, who we need to pick up or which gap we have to make sure we’re accountable for,” UW left tackle Senio Kelemete said.
“If the O-line doesn’t play sound assignment, then we are going to get beat. If we continue to do what we are doing … keep Price clean, keep him up and not get hit, I think we’ll do fine.”
EXTRA POINTS
It was easily receiver Kasen Williams’ best day of practice this week as he recovers from a high ankle sprain. He looked fluid in his movements during special-teams return work and during the team period. The true freshman will do light work today, and could be available Saturday. … Also, there was encouraging news on defensive tackle Danny Shelton (foot), who has been slow to return to form but did all the team-period work Thursday. Shelton could be ready to contribute. … Not that Price (knees, ankle) was in danger of not starting against Colorado, Sarkisian did admit after practice that the redshirt sophomore “looks the best I’ve seen him now for over a month” physically.
Todd Milles: 253-597-8442 todd.milles@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/uwsports
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