BRADY HENDERSON

New DC Justin Wilcox won’t use youth as an excuse

Jan 20, 2012, 12:48 PM | Updated: 1:21 pm

By Brady Henderson

One comment stood out more than others when Steve Sarkisian joined “Brock and Salk” on Friday to discuss the coaching changes he’s made since a loss in the Alamo Bowl ended Washington’s season.

Nearly three weeks after firing Nick Holt and replacing him with Justin Wilcox, Sarkisian said his new defensive coordinator has shown the ability to do what his old one couldn’t.

“I look back at what Justin did at Tennessee this year. The first game of the year he started three true freshmen. By the end of the year they were starting four true freshmen on defense, a defense that ranked 28th in the country,” Sarkisian said. “So that tells me he’s got a system in place where young guys can step in and play — it’s freshman-friendly — and allow them not just to play but to play and be successfull.”

The Volunteers’ defense actually ranked 27th in the nation, averaging 340.5 yards per game. Holt, meanwhile, frequently pointed to youth while answering for a defense that finished the season ranked 106th in the nation, allowing just over 453 yards per game.

Brock Huard shares his thoughts on Sarkisian’s comments in Friday’s Wrap Up video:

You can download Friday’s podcast here.

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