ESPN College Football

Washington opens preseason camp today. Here's a quick look.

Who's back: Nine starters on offense, eight on defense, both specialists.

Big names: Quarterback Jake Locker, running back Chris Polk, receiver Jermaine Kearse, linebacker Mason Foster.

What's new: The Huskies staff returns intact in Steve Sarkisian's second year.

Key competition: With 17 position players back, most of the competition is for backup roles. The biggest question is how things will stack up at defensive end, with Kalani Aldrich and Everrette Thompson trying to regain their form after injuries. The pecking order at free safety is still in question. Backup quarterback behind Locker is unresolved.

Breaking out: Chris Izbicki needs to step up at ight end after Kavario Middleton was kicked off the team. Receiver James Johnson figures to take another step forward after a strong true freshman season. There's a sense that junior tackle Senio Kelemete has All-Conference potential, as does sophomore cornerback Desmond Trufant.

Quote: Sarkisian on the value of having Locker back for his senior year: “Historically in this conference, the teams that have won Pac-10 championships or have been in that race at the end have had veteran leadership at that position. Ultimately, if you really want to win a Pac-10 championship, you have to find a way to win on the road. We will take the advantage of having that senior quarterback who has been in those environments.”

Notes: Defensive end Andru Pulu, a potential starter, was kicked off the team after he was sentenced to six months in jail for breaking a man's nose in an off-campus fight in March ... The Huskies added touted linebacker Josh Shirley to their recruiting class after he was booted from UCLA for allegedly participating in a purse theft with three other freshmen ... Locker made two East Coast trips in support of a Heisman Trophy campaign. You can keep up with Locker on his website ... Two members of the 2010 recruiting class will grayshirt: defensive back John Timu and defensive end Brent Williams ... Safety Justin Glenn, who broke his leg at Notre Dame last season, is still not ready for contact.

The best way to neutralize the impressive quarterback talent in the Pac-10 this fall is to get someone in their faces as much as possible. That's what pass-rushing defensive ends do, and there is a solid cast of them coming back.

Even the two teams that fall in the "We'll see" category here don't lack for talent or experience. They just have obvious questions heading into preseason camp.

So how do things stack up?

Great shape

• Arizona: The Wildcats were in great shape at the spot last year with the same two players, though Ricky Elmore eclipsed Brooks Reed when he recorded 10.5 sacks while Reed was hurt (ankle) much of the season. Word on the street is Reed has been a maniac in the weight room this offseason. Solid depth here, too.
• USC: Two players worth buying stock in: Armond Armstead and Nick Perry. Perry had eight sacks as a backup in 2009 and Armstead was dominant this spring. Transfer of Malik Jackson hurts depth.
• Oregon: Kenny Rowe led the Pac-10 with 11.5 sacks in 2009, while Dion Jordan was perhaps the breakout player of the Ducks' spring practices.

Good shape

• California: Cameron Jordan has been good, but he has a chance to be great: Is 2010 his year? Trevor Guyton is the leader to replace first-round draft pick Tyson Alualu, while Deandre Coleman and Ernest Owusu provide high-quality depth.
• UCLA: Datone Jones had a great spring, while Keenan Graham looks like the favorite to start on the opposite side. Solid depth with Damien Holmes, Iuta Tepa and touted incoming freshman Owamagbe Odighizuwa.
• Oregon State: The Beavers struggled to rush the passer in 2009 and returning starter Matt LaGrone quit, but Gabe Miller is a talented athlete who came on late and had a good spring. Sophomore Taylor Henry is No.1 on the other side.
• Arizona State: The Sun Devils must replace four-year star Dexter Davis. James Brooks and Greg Smith are the likely starters. Solid depth here but no standouts.
• Washington State: The Cougars are sneaky good with sophomore Travis Long and senior Kevin Kooyman.

We'll see

• Stanford: The Cardinal is hard to rate because they are switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4, so Thomas Keiser and Chase Thomas, returning starters at end, are now outside linebackers and don't qualify. Meanwhile, Matt Masifilo and Brian Bulcke are experienced tackles but are new to end.
• Washington: This is as pure of a "we'll see" as you can get. Four-year starter Daniel Te'o-Nesheim is off to the NFL and potential starter Andru Pulu got kicked off the team. If Everrette Thompson and Kalani Aldrich are healthy and ready to play 12 games, the Huskies are solid. Maybe even better than solid. If not, things are iffy.

Washington has dismissed starting tight end Kavario Middleton for a violation of team rules less than two weeks before fall camp begins.

Middleton, a 2008 Parade All-American, had fallen behind junior Chris Izbicki on the depth chart during spring practices, but he was nonetheless considered one of the Pac-10's top returning tight ends. He caught 26 passes for 257 yards with three TDs in 2009.

The school didn't supply a reason for the dismissal, but Bob Condotta reported this on his blog:

One source (not Miller) confirmed that there is truth to rumors that a recent failed drug test was the last straw for Middleton. While UW cannot randomly drug test its athletes due to state laws, it can test specific athletes if it has reasonable suspicion.

Miller said only that Middleton had already been given "several chances'' to get back in good standing with the team.

You can read more here. And here. And here.

Middleton is the second key contributor dismissed from the team. Defensive end Andru Pulu was suspended indefinitely and is not expected to return to the team after he pleaded guilty to felony second-degree assault in April.

Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.

• Former Arizona State running back Ryan Torain is excited to be heading to D.C.
• Former California receiver Nyan Boateng gets a tryout.
• Oregon coach Chip Kelly is going to support the troops. There may be upheaval in the Ducks' secondary, and that's a good thing.
• Mars Rover is ready to contribute at Oregon State -- no relation to Mars Blackmon. Buker and Kirkpatrick, who have no patience, decide to announce that Ryan Katz is the starting quarterback because Mike Riley insists on being coy.
• I'm this close to announcing that Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh is No. 1 among coaches on Twitter.
• UCLA won't be as powerful on the defensive front without Brian Price, but it might be more athletic.
• Hey, Lane Kiffin "What's your deal." Kiffin: "Whatever."
• Washington defensive end Andru Pulu has pled guilty to felony second-degree assault, but his status with the team remains unclear. A walkon offensive lineman is making a name for himself.
• The effort to get former Washington State QB Jack "The Throwin' Samoan" Thompson into the Hall of Fame hits a snag.
• This is neat: John Robinson returns to coaching.
• Ever notice how the rich schools seem to get lucky, too?
• How much offense does your team get back?

Washington has a new defensive end. He averaged 1.8 points per game for the Huskies basketball team this season.

The school announced Tuesday that Clarence Trent, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound freshman from Tacoma, will participate in spring practices, a decision that was fully endorsed by basketball coach Lorenzo Romar.

"Clarence approached me earlier in the year and expressed his interest in playing football at the University of Washington and I told him we'd revisit it after the season," Romar said in a statement. "I had some conversations with [head coach Steve Sarkisian] Sark about it and when they agreed to do it, Clarence was excited and we were excited for him. He will still remain a part of our basketball team and it will be much like the situation when Nate Robinson played football at Washington and yet walked on for basketball that year. So, he is still very much a part of our basketball team and he will do both."

Robinson was a starting cornerback for Washington before quitting to concentrate on basketball.

Defensive end is a need position because the Huskies lost starting defensive ends Daniel Te'o-Nesheim and Darrion Jones, and Kalani Aldrich and Everrette Thompson are both out of spring practices with injuries. Meanwhile, Andru Pulu faces a second-degree assault charge and has been indefinitely suspended from the team. The Seattle Times reported that Pulu pleaded not guilty in a hearing Tuesday.

Some highlights from Washington Huskies coach Steve Sarkisian's presser with reporters on Monday.

• Quarterback Jake Locker may play some baseball with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim this summer but a schedule has not been set. Sarkisian said it won't interfere with his football work.
• Players who won't practice due to injury include running back Chris Polk (shoulder), offensive tackle Cody Habben (shoulder), defensive end Kalani Aldrich (knee), Everrette Thompson (Achilles), safety Victor Aiyewa (shoulder).
• Running back Brandon Yakaboski (knee), cornerback Desmond Trufant (groin) and Justin Glenn (leg) will be limited.
• Defensive end Andru Pulu is still suspended indefinitely and is not on the roster.
• Tight end Dorson Boyce has moved to fullback.
• Marquis Persley has moved from cornerback to safety.
• Drew Schaefer has moved from tackle to center. Ryan Tolar from center to guard.
• The starting offensive line as of Monday: Schaefer, Senio Kelemete at left tackle, Tolar at left guard, Mykenna Ikehara at right guard and Skyler Fancher at right tackle
• Linebacker Alvin Logan could see action as a defensive end. Sarkisian said the lack of depth at end due to injuries and suspensions means that some other players, including defensive tackles, could see time at end.
• Players who have left the program: quarterback Ronnie Fouch, running backs Willie Griffin and Curtis Shaw, linebacker Kurt Mangum, cornerback Matt Mosley and receiver Vince Taylor.
• Four freshmen will participate this spring: linebacker Victor Burnett, running back Jesse Callier, running back Deontae Cooper and quarterback Nick Montana.
• The priority is adding depth on the offensive and defensive line.
• Sarkisian said he's interested to see how receiver D'Andre Goodwin and tight end Chris Izbicki perform. Goodwin was the Huskies best receiver in 2008 but fell behind other players in 2009. Izbicki is fighting for touches behind Kavario Middleton.
• He also said that there should be plenty of competition in the secondary between cornerbacks Desmond Trufant, Adam Long, Quinton Richardson, Vonzell McDowell and converted receiver Anthony Boyles.

Suspended Washington defensive end Andru Pulu turned himself into police Tuesday morning and is expected to be charged with assault, according to a Seattle Times report.

The sophomore, a potential starter next fall at defensive end, was suspended indefinitely last week by coach Steve Sarkisian for an undisclosed violation of team rule.

Said the press release, "Neither the UW athletic department, nor the coach, will have any further comment on the matter."

The Times previously reported that Pulu was being investigated for assaulting a 22-year-old at a house party. The victim was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken nose and possible cheek fracture, according to the police report.

Pulu, who backed up the departed Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, was one of 10 true freshman to see action for the Huskies last year. He recorded two tackles and half a sack and played on special teams.

The Huskies only lose three starters on defense but two of those are defensive ends. Other than Pulu, the returning ends from the 2009 depth chart are sophomore Talia Crichton and junior Kalani Aldrich.

Washington begins spring practice on March 30.

The ninth of a 10-part series that looks at where Pac-10 teams are strongest and weakest as they begin spring practices.

Washington

Strong: Jake Locker

Why it's a strength: Well, when you have a senior quarterback who is the potential top pick in the 2011 NFL draft you might feel fairly good about things. Locker rushed for 388 yards and seven touchdowns last fall and completed 58 percent of his passes for 2,800 yards and 21 scores. Those numbers almost certainly will go up in Year 2 under coach Steve Sarkisian. But it's even more than that. Locker's supporting cast was young and promising in 2009, so it could take a big step toward fulfilling star potential in 2010. Locker doesn't have to run all the time because sophomore running back Chris Polk rushed for 1,113 yards. Receivers? Everyone is back, including the Pac-10's No. 4 receiver, Jermaine Kearse, and its seventh, Devin Aguilar. They combined to catch 13 TD passes in 2009. Moreover, receiver James Johnson and tight end Kavario Middleton appear poised for breakthroughs. If the line, which is thin but returns four starters, holds up, Locker and the Huskies should be able to score a lot of points.

Weak: Defensive end

Why it's a weakness: The Huskies lose both starting defensive ends, most particularly Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, the Husky career sacks leader who finished second in the Pac-10 with 11 sacks and earned second-team all-conference honors. The backups combined for four sacks: sophomore Talia Crichton, junior Kalani Aldrich and sophomore Andru Pulu. Moreover, Pulu is presently suspended for a violation of team rules and Aldrich has been troubled with knee problems. It's possible some guys will get shifted around, including Everrette Thompson, who played inside at tackle last year. And it's likely some of the incoming players will get an early shot to contribute (maybe Darius Waters?)

If you think I'll sit around as the world goes by
You're thinkin' like a fool cause it's a case of do or die
Out there is a fortune waitin' to be had
You think I'll let it go you're mad
You've got another thing comin'

• Jake Fischer wants to be the answer for Arizona at linebacker.
• Arizona State expects to speed things up on offense.
• Taking a look at California's linebackers.
• Oregon State's moonlighting track athletes are back to football focus.
• Some images from Stanford's spring practices.
• USC players to watch this spring. A former Trojan is back with the team.
• More details emerge on the suspension of Washington defensive end Andru Pulu.
• Some burning questions heading into spring practices.
• Football is driving the speculation on expansion.

Washington sophomore Andru Pulu, a potential starter next fall at defensive end, has been suspended indefinitely by coach Steve Sarkisian for an undisclosed violation of team rules, the school announced Tuesday.

Said the press release, "Neither the UW athletic department, nor the coach, will have any further comment on the matter."

Update: The Seattle Times reported: "Pulu was allegedly involved in an altercation at an off-campus party late Saturday night in which another student was injured."

Pulu, who backed up the departed Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, was one of 10 true freshman to see action for the Huskies last year. He recorded two tackles and half a sack and played on special teams.

The Huskies only lose three starters on defense but two of those are defensive ends. Other than Pulu, the returning ends from the 2009 depth chart are sophomore Talia Crichton and junior Kalani Aldrich.

Washington begins spring practice on March 30.

After every season, starters leave. But not all starters are created equal.

Here are the biggest shoes to fill in the Pac-10 with spring practices just around the corner.

Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford

How do you replace the best running back in the nation, a guy who scored 28 touchdowns and rushed for 1,871 yards? You don't. Those sorts don't come around every season.

The Contenders: Stepfan Taylor and Tyler Gafney will get first crack, as well as Jeremy Stewart, who's coming back from a knee injury. Incoming freshman Anthony Wilkerson could be a dark horse.

Sean Canfield, QB, Oregon State

The first-team All-Pac-10 quarterback became an NFL prospect during a strong senior season. He led the conference with 3,271 yards passing and 21 touchdowns, which tied with Washington's Jake Locker.

The Contenders: This will be a showdown between Ryan Katz and Peter Lalich this spring, with Katz starting as the leader.

Brian Price, DT, UCLA

Price could be an NFL first-round draft pick. He led the Pac-10 with 23.5 tackles for a loss in 2009. 'Nuff said.

The Contenders: Good question. The Bruins are perilously thin here, considering both tackles need to be replaced and only senior David Carter has much experience. The answers here might be in the Bruins' recruiting class.

Syd'Quan Thompson, CB, California

The Cal secondary was a huge disappointment this season, but Thompson, a four-year starter and two-time first-team All-Pac-10 performer, was mostly his usually stellar self.

The Contenders: Will Darian Hagan step up in his senior season? Perhaps the answer is sophomore Josh Hill? Or maybe a redshirt guy? The Bears only signed one player listed as a corner in their most recent recruiting class. Expect there to be a lot of competition here this spring.

Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, DE, Washington

Te'o-Nesheim, a high-motor guy who started four years and earned second-team All-Pac-10 honors his final two seasons, ranking third in the conference with 9.5 sacks.

The Contenders: Considering the other end, Darrion Jones, also is gone, the Huskies will trend young here. Andru Pulu was listed behind Te'o-Nesheim on the depth chart, with Talia Crichton and Kalani Aldrich on the other side. There also will be opportunities for younger players here.

Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon

Dickson not only was the Ducks' second-leading receiver with 42 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns, the matchup problems he presented forced defenses to scheme specifically for him. That helps an offense in ways that aren't accounted for in statistics.

The Contenders: Junior David Paulson was Dickson's backup last year, and he had some nice moments, but he's no Dickson. JC transfer Brandon Williams and touted incoming freshman Curtis White will be in the mix here.

Kenny Alfred, C, Washington State

Alfred, a four-year starter, was a good player on a bad -- and beaten up -- line. His brain as well as his physical ability will be hard to replace.

The Contenders: Walk-on junior Chris Prummer was listed as Alfred's backup -- largely due to injury -- but Andrew Roxas, who redshirted this year after contracting viral hepatitis, is probably the leader here, though Steven Ayers could move inside to challenge him. Or there could be some reshuffling.