Almost weekly, one visitor from the Washington Huskies football team stops by the press quarters in a lonely corner of Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

His name is Fred Wiggs.

Wiggs is an O’Dea graduate. He’s been a reserve linebacker his entire career, serving on special teams – which is where he’ll likely be utilized Saturday when the Huskies open their season under new coach Steve Sarkisian against No. 11 Louisiana State.

Largely, Wiggs’ career has been non-descript. The redshirt junior has played in 24 of the team’s 25 games the past two seasons. He’s only made back-to-back plays, in any capacity, once in his career – last season in mop-up time against Oklahoma.

He’s not one to fret, or complain or get down easily. While admitting “under no circumstance would this be a successful career,” Wiggs takes the field every day in practice. He doesn’t bicker. He does everything that is asked.

Afterward, he puts his cheery post-practice demeanor on display for reporters. One time, he compared the camaraderie of UW’s fall camp to a youthful “summer camp.”

Another time, he advised a reporter to get dinner before getting too involved in work.

Why does he give the press corps the time of day?

“You write a lot about us. You are pretty much one of the major windows for the rest of the public about Husky football,” he said. “Why not try and make you guys smile?”

Because reporters can be surly and negative.

“We can be negative, too,” he said.

If Wiggs feels any pressure to live up to his older sibling’s legacy at the UW, he doesn’t show it.

Sekou Wiggs was a UW nose tackle. He played in 24 games from 1995-97, and went to bowl games in each of his three seasons. He now is involved in real estate.

“I’ve never looked at it as following in his footsteps. He played a whole different position, in a whole different era for a whole different coaching staff,” Fred Wiggs said. “The only way I can let my brother down is if I didn’t try as hard as I could, and give everything I have.”

And he has, with hopes of someday cracking the lineup. His chances will improve after seniors E.J. Savannah and Donald Butler graduate after this season.

“Special teams is nice. It’s one-third of the game … but my goal is to be a valued, impact player,” Wiggs said. “I want to make plays.”

Extra points

Lakes High graduate Kavario Middleton (hamstring) was a full-contact participant Thursday at practice and should be in line to start. Cornerback Matt Mosley (knee) was out again after practicing Wednesday. … Sarkisian confirmed that linebacker Matt Houston (arm), offensive tackle Skyler Fancher (ankle) and safety Jason Wells (Achilles’) will miss the game Saturday against LSU. … Five walk-on players were awarded scholarships this week. They include offensive linemen Gregory Christine and Nick Scott, and linebackers Joshua Gage, Brandon Huppert and T.J. Poe out of Enumclaw. … A day after receiving an eligibility waiver by the NCAA, the case of true freshman linebacker Tim Tucker was clarified Thursday, and he’s no longer in danger of missing practice time. … The Huskies have a light walkthrough today, and will take a bus to the team hotel where they’ll hang out until Saturday afternoon.

Todd Milles: 253-597-8442

todd.milles@thenewstribune.com