Huskies could end Seattle’s long wait for a winner

By Jessamyn McIntyre

In a city that so desperately craves success, the Washington Huskies are poised to provide it. Many are calling this a ‘wide open’ Pac-10 season, and a team led by Steve Sarkisian with Jake Locker at the reigns has quite the advantage.

A light practice, due to yesterday’s scrimmage, allowed for a skill-position display, in which Locker, Keith Price and Nick Montana rotated through. Montana, a true freshman is finding his way, but definitely has the ability to deliver. Price, a redshirt freshman, has the quickness to scramble when necessary, plus a year’s experience playing behind Locker.

As for Locker – he looked every bit of the Heisman-contending quarterback he is. Provided with ample protection, Locker will move the chains. He’ll do it with authority. Nobody doubts Locker’s ability on the field – he’s already touted to go #1 in the 2011 NFL Draft. He didn’t fail to impress today.

Playing under the cloudy skies the to which the team is undoubtedly more accustomed, Jake spread the field with lasers to D’Andre Goodwin, Devin Aguilar and Jermaine Kearse, all who showed promising ability to gain extra yardage. He passed over the top to Michael Hartvigson, whose 6’6” frame towered over the defense, proving his height might lead to an advantage at tight end this season.

Sarkisian put the focus on third down, working both sides of the ball in pressure situations. “From the QB perspective, the timing with the wide receivers was good for our defense, a lot of nickel situations for them – it was good work.”

The depth at skill position is a positive for the team this year, according to Damon Huard, former Husky. Huard’s eyes lit up when asked about the team, stating, “This team could take off, and if they do, this town will bleed purple and gold.”

On the other side of the ball, Nick Holt provided the fire. Barking in his usual manner while heavily pacing the sidelines, he relayed orders and feedback on every play. He’s the perfect compliment to the calm, cool and collected Sarkisian, who concentrates on the team understanding “the way we play.” If he doesn’t see the effort he wants, it’s addressed. “We go 100 miles an hour here…it’s the understanding of the way we play.”

So Seattle, the win-starved city in the great northwest, waits in high anticipation for September 4th, when this 100 mile-an-hour train is scheduled to roll through Provo, Utah, as the Huskies take on the Brigham Young Cougars.

Seattle waits to bleed purple and gold.