CB Darren Gardenhire leaves No. 6 UW Huskies ahead of Apple Cup
Nov 21, 2016, 1:11 PM

Darren Gardenhire started nine games last year but has been UW's third man on the depth chart in 2016. (AP)
(AP)
In a week when the Washington Huskies could use as much help against the pass as possible, they’ve actually lost a key member of their secondary.
Junior cornerback Darren Gardenhire announced Monday on his Instagram account his decision to leave the No. 6 Huskies just four days ahead of the Apple Cup against the No. 23 WSU Cougars and their prolific passing attack leb by quarterback Luke Falk.
“After talking with my family and really taking time to make this decision. I will no longer be continuing my career here at the University of Washington,” Gardenhire wrote in the post. “It was a real tough decision but I have to go wit ma Heart and make the best decision I feel is for my future. And I will transfer to the University i feel is right to do it at.”
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UW coach Chris Petersen confirmed Gardenhire’s departure in his weekly press conference Monday morning, saying that a “difference in philosophies” contributed to the junior’s decision.
Gardenhire has played in all 11 of the Huskies’ games to this point, behind starters Sidney Jones and Kevin King on the depth chart. He has 13 total tackles in 2016 (10 unassisted), one interception, two pass breakups, one sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery.
In 2015, Gardenhire started nine of UW’s 13 games, and he appeared in 12 of 14 games as a true freshman in 2014.