Camp Takeaways: Huskies Find a Nickel and Top Receiver Denzel Boston Returns

Washington Huskies cornerbacks Leroy Bryant (0) and Ephesians Prysock (7) warm up on the University of Washington east practice field on Thursday, August 14 in Seattle, Washington. Credit: Aaron Coe/Emerald City Spectrum

SEATTLE, Wash. — With just 16 days to go before the season opener against Colorado State, there are fewer and fewer starting spots up for grabs for the Washington Huskies.

Over the last week or so, sophomore Leroy Bryant has staked his claim on the nickel cornerback position. In Washington secondary coach John Richardson’s mind, the reasoning is simple.

“He don’t like the steel benches,” Richardson said. “So, you know, for him — he wants to play. He didn’t come here to sit. You know, I’m just being honest. He came here to play, and he wants to prove himself. So his urgency is definitely increasing.”

Initially an outside corner, the 6-0, 185-pound Bryant has played in both spots during the fall, serving as a second-team outside corner and often running with the first team in the nickel spot. Redshirt freshman Rahshawn Clark seemed to claim ownership of the nickel position in the spring, but Bryant has taken over recently.

“I started learning it last year,” Bryant said. “Really like learning both because of my flexibility and versatility.”

Those traits have helped Bryant earn his way into the mix as a starter, as the outside spots are locked down by 6-4 senior cornerbacks Tacario Davis and Ephesians Prysock. The tall tandem is expected to play virtually every meaningful snap for Washington this season, leaving the others searching for time in passing sets with five or more defensive backs.

A third long corner emerged quickly as next in line. True freshman Dylan Robinson, a 6-3, 200-pound corner out of Bonita High School (La Verne, Calif.), vaulted up the depth chart quickly. He’s settled in with the second team and seems likely to play a role this season.

“It’s a race to maturity,” Richardson said. “He’s big, strong, he’s athletic. Good to see him finally come down with [an interception during practice], playing with more urgency.”

Another true freshman, safety Rylon Dillard-Allen, is also involved in the time race. He also seems to be outrunning time — or at least beating time senseless. Dillard-Allen made another jaw-dropping, jaw-jarring tackle on Thursday, leveling junior receiver Kevin Green Jr.

“Showing up and being violent is something that this defense is going to be great at,” Richardson said.

Offense Strikes Back

The defense stole much of the show at practices on Tuesday and Wednesday, but the offense responded with some fireworks Thursday. Denzel Boston, finally cleared to fully participate after undergoing an offseason surgical procedure, showed why he’s considered the team’s No. 1 wide receiver.

Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. hit Boston in stride as he broke out toward the sideline on his right, and the 6-4 senior outraced the defense for a 45-yard TD. Aside from an interception to Robinson, Williams looked sharp. His best throw was to Rashid Williams in the end zone. He knifed the ball between two defenders, allowing his receiver to make a nice catch for about a 20-yard score.

True freshman receiver Raiden Vines-Bright was fully back on Thursday after wearing a non-contact jersey for a couple of days. He’ll be in the mix for a significant role this season. When Boston was out there on Thursday, it was often Boston at the X, Rashid Williams at the Z, and Omari Evans in the slot. Audric Harris continues to make a push to play in the slot as well.

With starting running back Jonah Coleman being used sparingly as coaches keep the senior star fresh, Adam Mohammed and Jordan Washington all got in some strong work. True freshman Quaid Carr ran for a couple of touchdowns and seems to have settled into the No. 4 running back role.

Henning Moves Into Left Guard Mix

True freshman John Mills continues to rotate in for first-team reps at left guard as redshirt freshman Paki Finau attempts to hold onto a starting spot. Zachary Henning, who has been running with the second-team at center, also got some first-team reps at left guard on Thursday. Left guard seems to be one of the few remaining true position battles to watch over the next two weeks.

Several Players Not Seen at Practice

A few players did not appear to be at practice Thursday, including Davis. No explanation was provided by the team, aside from Richardson saying, “Yeah, he’s fine, he’s fine,” when asked about his starting cornerback.

I also did not see true freshman receiver Dezmen Roebuck, senior defensive tackle Logan Sagapolu, or senior linebacker Anthony Ward out there. While I do not want to speculate on why they were missing, it has become more common in recent years for players to rest for a day. Trainers track all kinds of metrics, including heart rate, steps and distances, plus biomechanical metrics to help monitor potential injury risks.

I have not noticed Jayvon Parker, who is still working his way back from tearing his Achilles tendon last season, out at practice for a few days. He may well be working on another field or indoors with trainers.

Clark also returned to the field after not practicing with the full team the last two days. Sophomore defensive lineman Ellineus Davis also returned. He batted down a pass and got into the backfield a couple of times to make his presence felt.

It will be interesting to see who runs out with starting units when the team holds its Mock Game 6:30 PM on Saturday. Though things can change over the final two weeks, and some players may be held out with minor nicks, many of the starters taking the field on Saturday will likely be the ones who start against Colorado State on August 30.

More Gross Kicking

I saw kicker Grady Gross hit field goals from 42, 40, and 40 yards on Thursday without a miss. Though the kickers typically do not attempt long field goals in team sessions, both Gross and Ethan Moczulski attempted two field goals apiece from 57 yards on the main practice field. They each went 1-for-2. Both of Gross’ kicks appeared to have plenty of distance.