The University of Washington’s upset victory over Southern California that gets the most play these days is the 16-13 win in 2009 when the Trojans were ranked No. 3.
But the Huskies earned an important one five months later under Steve Sarkisian – in the recruiting circles.
It wasn’t just over any ordinary teenager from California – it was top-100 recruit Sean Parker, a safety from Los Angeles who announced his decision live on ESPNU in front of thousands of viewers, and three very interested coaches in Sarkisian, USC’s Lane Kiffin and Michigan’s Rich Rodriguez.
Parker grabbed the UW hat, put it on his head and the rest is history.
“I remember that day, yeah,” Sarkisian said, smiling in the afterglow, even some 21 months later. “You know … the kid tells you he is coming, but you never really know until it is actually done. We watched it with anticipation just like everybody else.”
For the first time as a full-time defender at strong safety, Parker will face one of the schools he did not choose – the Trojans – on Saturday in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The sophomore is the secondary’s leading tackler (58), and No. 2 on the team behind linebacker Cort Dennison. His two interceptions tie cornerback Desmond Trufant for the team lead.
At times, Parker finds himself revisiting that nationally-televised moment. He laughs at it.
“It was kind of Washington and Michigan almost,” Parker said. “My plan through the whole recruiting process was to get away from home and see something different.”
Parker has solidified the back end of the defense. He is constantly around the ball. He provides a physical presence in getting after running backs and receivers. And, yes, he shows his inexperience at times.
“He is a great student, a tremendous leader – I thought he had the intangibles that were needed,” Sarkisian said. “To have a really good secondary, you need a strong presence back there to command that. And I think he is growing into that position.
“But he is still growing, you know. We have to remember, he is a true sophomore. He really almost missed half his freshman season with the (neck) injury. For him to come back, I think he’s playing well. But I do believe his best days are still ahead of him. I think the turnovers will start to come as the confidence grows.”
EXTRA POINTS
Receiver James Johnson (ankle) practiced Tuesday. He rested Wednesday. And Thursday, he was back on the field for individual drills and team period work. Sarkisian acknowledged whether the junior plays or not – it will be a game-time call – he won’t be fully healthy. … It is another homecoming for Sarkisian, who grew up in nearby Torrance, Calif. But that does not mean his mother, Sally, will be attending the game. In fact, in two-plus seasons – a span of 34 games – she has never watched her son coach in person. “She’d rather watch it on TV,” the UW coach said. “Gets a better view, probably, like a lot of people these days.” … The Huskies are expected to arrive in Los Angeles sometime after 4 p.m. today, but they will not hold a walkthrough at the stadium.
Todd Milles: 253-597-8442 todd.milles@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/uwsports
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