Sometime around 6:30 p.m. – a short time after the University of Washington concluded its last full football practice – roster decisions were being revealed to the players.
Specifically, who would be packing to go to Brigham Young for the season opener?
Only 76 are going.
"It feels like the right number," UW coach Steve Sarkisian said.
Sixty players were listed on the Huskies' depth chart, released Monday by the university. You'd have to assume all of those players – viewed here – are locks to travel.
Who else? Here is who I think makes the cut, per position group:
RB: Sarkisian is really intrigued by fullback Zach Fogerson. I think he's going. Cole Sager has an outside chance.
WR: Man, if practice Wednesday was indication, maybe walk-on William Chandler stays home. I think he has a seat. So should DiAndre Campbell.
TE: Evan Hudson can long-snap, and could be valuable.
OL: Skyler Fancher has worked with the second unit in fall camp. He's on the bus.
DL: I think we were all surprised true freshman Sione Potoa'e, the Lakes High product, was not listed on the two-deep at the start of the week. Defensive coordinator Nick Holt views the newcomer as one of his many starter-types at defensive tackles. They'll need him, and he'll be there. Also, add Lawrence Lagafuaina's name to the list. … I would bet defensive ends Josh Shirley and Andrew Hudson travel, too.
LB: This is where it gets interesting. Is Victor Burnett, one of the early enrollees, a lock? Venturing no, but still think he goes.
DB: Anthony Boyles is a veteran, and the UW staff still likes his size and playmaking ability, even if he's a bit inconsistent at cornerback. He's on the travel squad, as should be Anthony Gobern. … Taz Stevenson got a little banged up with a shoulder thing. He goes, as should Justin Glenn and Greg Walker, two safeties who started games a year ago.
"You wish you could bring everybody, but sometimes when you bring too many, our focus can get lost," Sarkisian said. "So we're bringing 76 guys that have a purpose."
Stuff from practice Wednesday:
• Injuries. Defensive end Kalani Aldrich (knee) is still limited, but might see some action. … Receiver James Johnson (ankle) practiced with no restrictions. … Linebacker Brandon Huppert (knee) is still out indefinitely. … Cornerback Gregory Ducre (shoulder) was a late scratch when he injured his left shoulder in pre-practice action. Sarkisian did not think the injury was serious.
• About 45 minutes into practice, crowd noise was piped in through the stadium loudspeakers. It happened Tuesday, too, inside the Dempsey Center for indoor practice.
• Brief statistics for team session – Jake Locker was 5-of-8 for 50 yards, and was picked off twice by Nate Williams (wasn't his fault, off Chandler's hands) and Vonzell McDowell Jr (great diving interception on pass thrown to Jermaine Kearse).
Keith Price was 3-of-7 for 31 yards, also throwing an interception (Matt Houston).
Will Shamburger had a sack of Locker, and Lagafuaina had a sack of Price.
In scout-team work, Shamburger and Desmond Trufant had interceptions, and Sean Parker had a fumble recovery.
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