Huskies Enter Final Week With Handful of Tight Position Battles

Running back and cornerback remain spirited competitions.

Eleven University of Washington spring football practices down, four to go — a pair of regular workouts, a walk-through and another Spring Preview, the latter a controlled scrimmage in front of fans.

Unlike last year, most Husky starting jobs are fairly clear cut.

Quarterback, offensive line, tight ends, edge rushers, defensive line, linebackers and safeties. 

That would leave running back and at least one cornerback spot to be determined between now and the Sept. 2 season opener against Boise State, as well as the back-up wide receivers.

While Cam Davis is a strong candidate as the No. 1 back, his competition dropped off in a big way over the past week because of injury — Mississippi State transfer Dillon Johnson, Arizona State transfer Daniyel Ngata and former starter Richard Newton all were either restricted in what they could do or simply spectators when not in the training room.

This situation enabled sophomore Sam Adams II, who missed all of spring ball a year ago before playing in nine games as a reserve, to pull a lot more snaps.

"Running back probably would be a super competitive position," UW coach Kalen DeBoer said. "Dillon's not taking reps, just with him being dinged up, so he's not in that mix right now. Cam and Sam. It's been good see Sam take a lot of reps. We didn't really get a chance to see him at all until really the fall last year. "

The Huskies will have two new starters at the corners, with Oklahoma State transfers Jabbar Muhammad, JC transfer Thaddeus Dixon and sophomore Elijah Jackson drawing most of the first-team reps so far.

DeBoer singled out Muhammad for his veteran, consistent play, which he said was expected; Dixon for playing confidently and for coming up with an interception in Friday's scrimmage; and Jackson making the most of his opportunity after becoming healthy again.

"Elijah just continues to play strong and play aggressive and confident," DeBoer said. "I really think he's come a long ways from where we saw him. He was injured a lot last year and these are a majority of the reps I've him take, and he's taking advantage of them."

If the Huskies had to play for real next Saturday, and everyone was medically cleared for battle, the following likely would be the starters:

OFFENSE

TE — Devin Culp

LT — Troy Fautanu

LG — Julius Buelow

C — Matteo Mele

RG — Nate Kalepo

WR — Rome Odunze

WR — Jalen McMillan

WR — Ja'Lynn Polk

QB — Michael Penix Jr.

RB — Cam Davis

DEFENSE

ER — Bralen Trice

DT — Tuli Letuligasenoa

DT — Faatui Tuitele

ER — Zion Tupuola-Fetui 

LB — Edefuan Ulofoshio

LB — Alphonzo Tuputala

CB — Jabbar Muhammad

CB — Elijah Jackson

S — Asa Turner

S — Dominique Hampton

H — Mishael Powell

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