It is bowl season and while Washington will be stitting on the sidelines with a 5-7 record a total of seven Pac 10 teams will be in the bowl picture this season. One only has to wonder what could have been after last second losses to Notre Dame, ASU, and UCLA. There is always next year and with the return of Jake Locker, the skill surrounding him on offense, and one of the nation's best recruiting classes the Huskies should have little problem breaking the bowl hex in 2010.

It all kicks off tonight with an entertaining matchup between Oregon State and BYU in Sin City.

Maaco Bowl Las Vegas (December 22)

#18 Oregon State vs #14 Brigham Young

Tonight's game is a going to be a good one between two evenly matched squads and two coaches with Corvallis connections. Both teams feature some of the regions skill players so expect a high scoring game. The Beaver pass defense needs to be on their toes in this one because BYU has the ability to tearm then apart early. The Beav's surrendered 20 TD passes this season and that number figures to go up tonight against the Cougars. The Black Bandits of Benton County will counter that with some offensive fireworks of their own featuring the Rodgers brothers and Sean Canfield.

Beavers by 7

Poinsettia Bowl (December 23rd)

#23 Utah vs California

This isn't the Utah team that thrashed Alabama last season in a BCS bowl game but they are still a pretty good squad that can beat the Bears if they don't show up to play. California was thrashed by Washingon 42-10 in their last game and that signals that the season may be already over in the Bears players mind. Jeff Tedford who was once one of the hottest coaches int he country needs to show he can motivate this squad.

Utah by 7

Emerald Bowl (December 26th)

#24 USC vs Boston College

Southern Cal always finishes the season strong and this season won't be any exception when they face a weaker than usual BC squad. USC simply has a lot more overall strength than the Eagles this year and this shouldn't be much of a contest. Just make sure my wife who went to BC doesn't read this. ; )

USC by 14

Eagle Bank Bowl (December 29th)

UCLA vs Temple

What is better than winning the Northwest Championship? Leading UCLA to an unlikely bowl game in your second year as head coach at your alma mater. UCLA is a terrible football team and the only reason they finished 6-6 was because Sark had brain cramps going on in this one and Jake had a gimpy leg. Temple is an improving program which has finally found a league in which they can be competitive. That being said they do not have the firepower to beat any Pac 10 team other than WSU.

UCLA by 14

Holiday Bowl (December 30th)

#20 Arizona vs #22 Nebraska

I think this will be one of the better matchups of the bowl season and a must watch if you are a college football fan. what we have here are two up and coming programs that play good defense. What seperates the Wildcats from the Huskers in this one is their offense and ability to score points. It will be a close one and the score should be in the low twenties. Think Nebraska defense vs Arizona offense.

Arizona by 3

Sun Bowl (December 31st)

#21 Stanford vs Oklahoma

The is was a forgettable season by Sooner standards. Stanford on the other hand came oh so close to putting it all together to win it all. A crushing late season victory over Oregon tells you everyhting you want to know about this squad. Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart should go out in style against the Sooners with aroung a buck and a half on the ground.

Stanford by 3

Rose Bowl (January 1st)

#8 Oregon vs #7 Ohio State

The granddady or them all features a great matchup between two conference champs. This isn't a great Ohio State team and the Big Ten frankly was lacking in overall talent this season. Oregon on the other hand was playing some of the best football in the country at the end of the season. The Duck offense is tough to stop unless you force them into repetitive mistakes. I have seen the Buckeyes play a few times this season including against USC and I don't think they can handle what Oregon brings to the table offensively.

A big side note for Oregon fans is playing against Tyrelle Pryor who spurned the Ducks for the Buckeyes which in hindsight was silly because Coach Tressell has no idea of how to use him effectively. If you are a Pac 10 fan breathe a heavy sigh of relief this kid didn't sign with Oregon. He would have been a perfect fit for Kelly's offense and he would have made Oregon very tough to beat in the future.

Oregon by 10

Conference: West Coast 

Record: 6-3

Pomeroy Rankings: 44rd Overall, 45th Offense, 141st Defense

Best Win: 61-56 vs. Minnesota (nuetral court)

Coach: Erik Reveno 43-61 (4th season)

Key Players:

Nik Raivio: 6-4 Senior Guard: 14.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG

T.J. Campbell: 5-9 Senior Guard: 14.6 PPG

Scouting Portland:

Portland makes their money from long range. They're as good a 3 point shooting team as the Huskies will see this year, on the level of Cal. They play a deliberate pace and get their shot, and have some big bodies who are capable of getting offensive rebounds if not sealed off. Defensively they do not have the athleticism to shut their opponents down, and that side of the ball is their real weakness.   

How to Beat Them:

People have been critical of Venoy Overton to this point in the season, but against a team that is as good on the perimeter as Portland is, he is going to need to crank up the intensity on defense. I wouldn't be shocked to see a healthy dose of Justin Holiday in this game as well, because his length on the outside will be useful in defending the three pointer. Quincy Pondexter will again be asked to match up against larger players on defense, and we can only hope that it resembles more closely the first half of last week's game (when he used his quickness to create turnovers) than the second (when he was overpowered for easy layups).

On offense the Huskies need to work on running more of a team style rather than Isaiah Thomas and Pondexter playing one on one all game. Both of those players should be drawing the defense in and yielding to the open man, be it another interior player for a layup (or foul) or kicking it out for an open look. Elston Turner needs to bounce back from his poor shooting night and knock down some shots. If either he or Scott Suggs can do that consistently it will space the floor and make Thomas and Pondexter all the more deadly. 

Prediction:

Huskies win: 82-76

Kenpom says: 78-69 Huskies, UW with an 81% chance of victory. 

Viewing: 7:00 PM, FSN

It's time to review the seventh best recruiting class in the country currently according to Scout. There are still some holes to fill and Washington may sign up to six more players to fill out the class between now and LOI day. UW's next big recruiting weekend is in January so I don't expect anymore commits till then but you never know with this staff. If one of the remaining big names wants to head this way there is still room.

Quarterback (1)

Nick Montana

Does anyone even remember Jake Heaps? They might when he starts breaking passing records at BYU over the next 4-5 years. Nick Montana on the other hand has the potential to be just as good or better over time. Nick is still growin and will need a year in the weight room to get ready for the rigors of the Pac 10. All the tools however are there including the most important one's which are his brain and attitude.

Running Back (4)

Melvin Davis

Deontae Cooper

Jessie Callier

Zach Fogerson

Cooper and Callier are two of the best looking running backs in California and Davis if he qualifies is the big back Washington has been looking for most of this decade. Fogerson is rated the #4 FB in the country and will likely spend a year learning the ropes since their are two guys ahead of him in the depth.

Callier's film was very exciting to watch on both sides of the ball. The kid is a baller and his best spot could be at CB even though the coaches will look at him this spring at RB. Cooper is a thoroughbred in every way. He just might be the best HS back in the West this year. Playing in a less than competitive league though made it hard to figure out just how dominating he could be against better competition. In the end he had the endorsement of Pete Carroll who laments not being on him sooner. The word is Davis is the best running back you have never heard of. We hope he gets his grades together and doesn't have to go the JC route.

UW is problably done for now at the position but they could surprise and take one more athlete since it is uncertain if Davis will qualify. You also have to factor in that maybe they like Callier more as a DB than a RB.

Receiver (3)

DiAndre Campbell

Keanon Lowe

Kevin Smith

 Keanon Lowe was a human highlight reel at Jesuit HS in Portland. I think he looks best as a CB but the coaches are going to start him off at WR which is just fine based on the film I have seen. Make no doubt about this kid can make an impact on either side of the ball and is ticketed for early playing time. Kevin smith is a raw talent who would make a fine safety or WR. From the film I saw I loved how he looked at Safety. He is a real physical kid which is surprising since he doesn't have a lot of football experience. He exploded up to four start status because once you see this kid on the field you just know that he is a man among boys. Campbell gets very high marks for his work ethic. The coaches likes his size and attitude. He won't play right away but he has the potential to make an impact down the line.

Tight End (1)

Michael Hartvigson

I just love the type of potential this kid has. He is very athletic and he blocks well. He has a basketball background that blesses him with a set of good hands. I could also see him lining up over at DE too if the coaches feel he is needed more over on the defensive side of the ball.

Offensive Line (5)

Micah Hatchie

Erik Kohler

Colin Porter

Ben Riva

Colin Tanigawa

This is a very impressive offensive line class. Porter, Hatchie, and Kohler have the potential to be all conference types down the line and could play early if needed. Riva and Tanigawa are both solid but for sure need a year of seasoning and training before they are ready to contribute.

I could see UW taking one more player here to round out the class and that player could be Michael Criste who already verbaled but isn't actually listed yet as an official commit. Not sure what is going on there since the coaches can't comment. I do think he has a good chance of getting in once the class is sorted out.

We thought UW would take a JC recruit too but no word on that lately.

Defensive Tackle (2)

Sione Potoae

Lawrence Lagufuina

Sione is such an important recruit. Everyone in the nation wanted this kid and it is great to keep a talent like him at home. Chances are he is going to play right away even though I would like to see him RS his first year. IF you watch his film you really have to be impressed with the way this kid moves. Another thing I like is he is built like a freaking Centaur. That natural lower body is all NFL in my opinion.

Lagfuiana is a big time recruit in his own right. Like a lot of kids from Hawaii you may have not heard a lot about him but he has all the tools needed to be a big cog in the UW defense for years to come.

The Huskies will most likely take one more DL before it is all over and three that come to mind are Kerifi Taula, Sani Fuimaono, and Sealli Epenasa. Taula is probably the top target and will visit this coming January.

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The Big Ten is looking at expanding in the next 18 months. We have heard it before but this time it appears they are serious about it. The reason for the expansion is the league would like to add a conference championship game to it's portfolio.

Adding a conference championship game wouldn't be guaranteed to generate a lot of extra money for each school but it would give the conference some exposure in early December which it lacks right now. Coaches and AD's are saying that the Big Ten goes to sleep until the bowl games start and that hurts recruiting, prestige, and exposure.

In a perfect world the league would add Notre Dame and all the tradition and prestige that goes with it. Since the Irish have their own national TV deal with NBC and enjoy being an independent they will just say no like they did the last time. If Notre Dame ever joins a league it will likely be the Big East since they already have an agreement to play five Big East opponents per year in football going forward. Since all the other Irish athletic teams play full big East schedules with full conference memebership it makes sense to keep moving in that direction.

Which direction does the Big Ten move? Do they plunder the Big East or do they plunder the Big Twelve?

Joe Paterno would like to see an Eastern team added to the conference and the most likely candidates that have been discussed in the past are Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Syracuse, and Rutgers. Pitt would give Penn State the natural in conference rivarly it currently lacks and it would give the league ownership of every TV set in Pennsylvania.

As far as the BCS is concerned adding Notre Dame or a Big East school would cause the least chaos. When you poach a team from the Big 12 it could get the dominoes falling again and they could fall all the way to the West coast.

The two schools the Big Ten would look at in the Big 12 would be Missouri and Nebraska with Missouri being the most likely fit because it would lock up the St. Louis TV market and also add Kansas City to the fold. Nebraska has had the most success in football but how many TV sets are there in Missouri compared to Omaha? Expansion is all about adding the most TV sets.

The best overall fit if you are looking East or West is going to be Missouri. They have the television sets and they also have the type of academic standards that will fit in nicely with the rest of the Big Ten.

So lets say Missouri joins the Big Ten. How would that affect the Pac Ten?

The Pac Ten would be the only major conference left without a championship game. Sure the Big East is still regarded as a major but they are in a position to expand anytime they want to because they have plenty of candidates close by that would be a good fit.

Out on the West coast it isn't so easy because of geographic isolation and the lack of TV sets in the mountain states. The last time the conference looked to expand it offered Colorado and Texas a spot when the old SWC broke up. Texas declined the invitation for a number of good reasons. Colorado on the other hand has always felt that the Pac Ten would be a better fit.

When you talk about Pac Ten expansion there are really only two logical candidates and they would be Utah and Colorado. Both schools would have the same challenges that Arizona and Arizona State had when they joined the conference because neither are on a par with the other Pac Ten schools at this time from and academic standpoint. They are however close enough to pull it off and joining the league would give both schools added academic prestige.

If the Big 12 loses two teams it could go a couple of different ways. Arkansas has been buried ever since it joined the SEC. The Razorbacks could be very interested in rejoining the Texas and Oklahoma schools. Texas Christian and BYU from the WAC would jump at the chance to join a restructured Big 12.

Anyway you slice it if a Big 12 team makes the move to the Big Ten the dominoes may start rolling once again.

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

Steve Sarkisian enters 2010 with another Heisman Trophy (Jake Locker) hopeful in hand. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

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It is still a little early to analyze all the pieces the coaches will have to work with in 2010 since they probably will sign up to six more players to fill out the 2010 class. Add a couple of kids to the defense such as Pullard, Fehoko, and Shirley could yield some more immediate impact. If they don't come to UW the class is far from being a failure because Scout currently ranks it as being the 7th best in the country and number one in the Pac 10.

Steve Sarkisian said it best when he remarked that Jake's decision to come back for another year was like signing a 10 star recruit. Make no doubt about it keeping Locker on the field one more year makes Washington a championship contender if they can fill a couple holes on defense.

Offense

The future looks bright on offense with the return of Jake Locker. A year of experience plus the loss of only two starters bodes well for this unit in 2010. With the skill positions intact the key to improvement is getting more productivity and depth out of the offensive ine.

QB: Jake Locker - Sr.*

Depth: Ronnie Fouch - Jr., Keith Price - Fr.

Newcomer: Nick Montana - Fr.

Possible Attrition: None

It is all about Jake Locker returning in 2010. Washington would have taken a step backwards if he hadn't decided to return. Locker will start the year as perhaps the leading Heisman candidate in the country. Even more importantly he gives Keith Price and Nick Montana an extra year to get ready to compete with Ronnie Fouch for the starting job when Jake leaves.

Washington doesn't have optimimum amount depth at this position but it is getting better. You usually like to see one QB for every class. With Jake returning Washington will have four on the roster next season.

RB: Chris Polk - So.*

Depth: Demitrius Bronson - So., Johri Fogerson - Jr., Curtis Shaw - Jr., Willie Griffin - Jr., Brandon Yakaboski - Jr.

Newcomers: Deontae Cooper - Fr., Melvin Davis - Fr., Jessie Callier - Fr.

Possible Attrition: Willie Griffin - Jr., Brandon Yakaboski - Jr.

Make no mistake about it Chris Polk is a star and he may end leaving UW as the schools all time career rushing leader if he stays healthy. Bronson didn't get a lot of carries and while he did look strong at times he had problems holding onto the ball, Curtis Shaw played sparingly so he could be a transfer candidate despite of his straight ahead speed which I think the coaches could have used more on kickoffs. Fogerson moved to TB from Safety and was used primarily as a receiver out of the backfield. His use diminished during the second half of the season.

Willie Griffin was MIA all season so I would guess that he is a probable candidate to move on. Yakaboski has been hurt since he arrived on campus and I don't expect to see him on the fall roster.

Washington has verbals from three of the better running backs in California. Cooper will compete for playing time in 2010 and could end up winning the backup job. Davis is a big back that may not qualify so keep your fingers crossed. Callier will arrive ealry this spring with Polk. His future could be at CB but expect the coaches to give him a long look at RB in the spring.

FB: Austin Sylvester - Sr.

Depth: Kimo Makaula - Fr

Newcomers: Zach Fogerson - Fr.

Possible Attrition: None

Makaula and Sylvester will fight it out this spring for the starting job. The coaches like both players but I think in the end Kimo gets the majority of the snaps next fall. The one thing he has in his favor is he can catch the ball. That type of versatility may also take playing time away from Johri Fogerson who had more of an H-Back type role last season.

Zach Fogerson arrives from O'Dea and I would think he would be a good RS candidate based on who is ahead of him. He could also be a kid they give a look at over on defense.

WR: Jermaine Kearse - Jr.*, Devin Aguilar - Jr.*, James Johnson - So.*

Depth: Jordan Polk - Jr., D'Andre Goodwin - So. Cody Bruns - Jr., Luther Leonard - So., Vince Taylor -So.

Newcomers: Keanon Lowe - Fr., DiAndre Campbell - Fr., Kevin Smith - Fr.

Possible Attrition: Luther Leonard - So., Vince Taylor -So.

Kearse, Aguilar, and Johnson may be the best returning receiving trio in the Pac 10. D'Andre Goodwin never got it going this season after getting injured last spring. It will be tough for him to supplant the guys ahead of him. The coaches like Cody Bruns but he didn't end up getting a lot of playing time because of the success of the kids ahead of him. Leonard and Taylor are both very good candidates to leave the program. Both of them are entering their third season and the prospects of them ever seeing the playing field is pretty slight at this point.

I could see all three frosh sitting out the year but if anyone does play it would probably be Lowe who could find a place on offense or defense. Smith is another kid that could see time at safety if the WR thing doesn't work out.

TE: Kavario Middleton - Jr.*

Rotation: Chris Izbicki - Jr., Dorson Boyce, Sr.

Depth: Marlion Bennett - Fr.

Newcomer: Michael Hartvigson - Fr.

Kavario Middleton can be an All American and a first round draft choice if he wants it bad enough. What he needs to do is spend a lot of time in the weight room this winter to transform his body. Izbicki is a depth guy who saw time on and off all season. Boyce was just OK and serves as filler for a year until UW builds up depth at the position.

Mike Hartvigson is going to be better than a lot of people think. He has the ability to block and catch the ball which is what the position is all about. I see him sitting out next season but being in the rotation all four years he is eligible to play.

OT: Senio Kelemete - Jr.*, Cody Habben - Sr.*

Depth: Drew Schaefer So.*, Skyler Fancher - Jr., Terence Thomas - So., Mark Armelin - Jr.

Newcomers: Erik Kohler - Fr., Micah Hatchie - Fr.

Possible Attrition: Terence Thomas - So., Mark Armelin - Jr.

The plan has always been to move Kelemete outside and I think it is a good bet that they do it this spring. Kelemete had a solid year inside and he gained some post season recognition. Habben is never going to be great but he has improved along the way and will continue to do so.

Drew Schaefer crashed the starting lineup during the second half of the season and will at the very least be in the rotation next year. Skyler Fancher is a potential starter while healthy. He missed the entire season after having three surgeries last year. If he can return at full strength this spring Washington will be in pretty good shape at tackle in 2010.

Erik Kohler and Michah Hatchie are the future of this position. I would like to see them both sit out next year and that will happen if Kelemete moves to tackle and Fancher comes back healthy. If that doesn't happen they are both prime candidates for playing time.

OG: Ryan Tolar - Sr.*, Nick Wood - Jr.*

Depth: Greg Christine - Sr., Scott Shugert - Jr.

Newcomers: Colin Porter - Fr., Ben Riva - Fr.

Possible Attrition: Scott Shugert - Jr.

I like Ryan Tolar a lot better at guard than center and I think the coaches are in agreement. Nick Wood surprised everyone with his early season switch to OG and starting time after former walk on Greg Christine went down with a broken leg. I don't think either Christine or Wood are great answers at the other guard position even though they both play hard.

That being said it gives an opening to true frosh Colin Porter to earn a starting job in his first year at UW. If you want to move Kelemete outside you have to take a long look at Porter and see if he is ready. The four star Husky legacy recruit from Bothell may be the first to play from this very talented OL class. Ben Riva will need a year in the weight room before he is ready to contribute.

This should be the year that Scott Shugert and Mark Armelin step up for some playing time. If they don't do it this spring you could see them leave the program.

C: Mykenna Ikehara - So.

Depth: Ryan Tolar - Sr.*, Greg Christine - Sr

Newcomers: Colin Tanigawa - Fr.

Possible Attrition: None

Mykena Ikehara is a stud. He is the nastiest kid we have but a virus cost him around 25 pounds so he spent the past season in a back up role. He started in the final game as Tolar's replacement when Washington pounded California. Once again if you want to move Kelemete outside Ikehara has to start at center next season.

Colin Tanigawa is a good looking recruit who needs a year in the weight room. Ikehara will be backed up Tolar and Christine who can step in if he gets injured.

Defense

The Huskies head into spring with some holes to fill at DE and LB. If Savannah gets a 6th year it will give the coaching staff some time and flexibility at LB. DE is not so easy to solve with all time sack leader Daniel Teo Nesheim leaving. the youth has to come through at DE and if I was Josh shirley I would be taking a long look at the opportunity to start for four years at UW.

DE: Everette Thompson - Jr., Talia Crichton - So.

Depth: Andru Pulu - So., Kalani Aldrich - Jr.

Newcomers: Andrew Hudson - Fr., Brent Williams - Fr (UW may take one more DE)

Possible Attrition: None

Washington has some serious questions at this position going into 2009.

Everette Thompson did a nice job this season inside and if his foot heals properly he could be in line for a big season in 2010. I think it is crucial that they move him outside since the Huskies graduate both of their starting DE's. Kalani Aldrich has looked promising at times but a chronic knee problem cost him plenty of playing time. A knee that has to be constantly drained is never a good thing.

Chrichton and Pulu got a lot of experience this past season but they played like freshmen. In other words they were playing way too early to make much of an impact.

On the recruiting front the Huskies picked up a couple of good one's in Hudson and Williams. I can see Hudson playing early. Williams needs a year int he weight room to contribute over here. Darius Waters is another kid they recruited who they could possibly move here even though they will look at him first at LB. Recruiting isn't over yet and a kid like Josh Shirley could compete for a starting job right away if he opts for UW.

DT: Alameda Ta'amu - Jr.*, Cameron Elisara - Sr.*

Depth: De'Shon Matthews - Sr., Tyrone Duncan - Jr., Semisi Tokolahi - So., Chris Robinson - Fr.

Newcomers: Sione Potoae - Fr., Lawrence Lagafuaina - Fr. (UW may take one more DT)

Possible Attrition: None

Alameda Ta'amu made a lot of progress in 2009. The type of progress he makes in 2010 will depend on how well he does in the conditioning program between now and next fall. If he can build up his stamina he could develop into an All conference type of player. If the last two games are any indication he may be well on his way.

Cameron Elisara is a hard worker who isn't going to live up to his hype coming out of HS. Stingers bothered him this season and when he was out of the lineup mid season you could feel the loss of his veteran presence. Deshon Matthews is another hyled recruit who has sunk into the depth but played more than expected this year.

Semisi Tokolahi should have sat out last season but he played in four games which blew his chance to redshirt. An injury cost him further opportunities in 2009. The coaches think he can be a force and with a year in the conditioning program he should be able to contend for time in the rotation.

Sione Potoae is one of the top recruits in the country and I could see him getting time in the roatation early and taking over for Elisara by mid year. Lawrence Lagafuiana is another big body from Hawaii the Kuskies are bringing in this fall. Chances are he will spend his first year in the weight room.

MLB: Tim Tucker - Fr.

Depth: Kurt Mangum - So.

Newcomers: .Victor Burnett - Fr.

Possible Attrition: Kurt Mangum - So

The loss of Donald Butler will be felt next season. Even in good years it is tough to replace a quality player like him. Cort Dennison will start somewhere next season and this is a possible spot if they coaches don't like what they have here right now. The coaches are also high on Tim Tucker. Kurt Mangum has been mired in the depth since he arrived at Washington so if he doesn't break into the rotation this spring I could see him heading elsewhere.

I could see Victor Burnett who plans to arrive by spring coming in and making an immediate impact at the position. Hayes Pullard is another guy UW still has a shot at that could come in and do the same if he chooses UW.

WLB: Cort Dennison - Jr.* (EJ Savannah Sr.)

Depth: Jordan Wallace - So., Alvin Logan, Jr.

Newcomer: Chris Young - Fr, Princeton Fuimaono Fr

Possible Attrition: Alvin Logan - Jr

Cort Dennison did a great job filling in for EJ when he was injured last year. IF EJ doesn't get a sixth year the position probably his. If EJ does get a sixth year they will move him inside to take over for Butler. The coaches like Wallace enough that he could be a potential starter. Alvin Logan made the move to the position during bye week and is still learning the ropes. Logan hit the field as a WR but most thought he would make more impact at safety and that experiment didn't work out. If he has a good spring it will be a plus for a position without a lot of depth.

If Chris Young gets his act together he could come and make an impact at the position. Waters could play here, WLB, or just grow into a DE.

OLB: Mason Foster - Sr.*

Depth: Matt Houston - Sr.

Newcomer: Darius Waters - Fr.

Possible Attrition: Matt Houston - Sr.

Foster is an all conference player so no problems here. The depth though is unproven so it will be interesting to see how everything sorts out between now and fall. Obviously if EJ comes back it will give the coaches a lot more flexibility and some time to season the young depth they are bringing in.

Matt Houston has played here and there without much of an impact so it will be interesting to see how things sort out after spring practice.

CB: Desmond Trufant - So.*, Adam Long - So.*

Depth: Vonzell McDowell - Sr., Quentin Richardson - Jr., Anthony Boyles, So., Anthony Gobern - So., Marquis Persley - Jr.

Possible Attrition:  Anthony Gobern - So., Marquis Persley - Jr.

Newcomers: None yet but UW is expected to sign one true corner. Jesse Callier and Keanon Lowe could find homes over here.

I think Long and Trufant are going to end up being four year starters at Washington. Both of these players came a long way at the right time this season to emerge as starters with all league potential. Trufant seems to have more potential but Long actually was the more respected of the two by opposing teams.

Richardson and Mc Dowell return to supply experience and depth. I wouldn't write Richardson either because he ankle sprain was worse than publically revealed. Keep an eye on Anthony Boyles who should make a big move for playing time this spring. He has a ton of athletic ability but didn't make the cut at WR. A position where he doesn't have to think as much may be the right place for him. The coaches like him and he is going to get his shot.

Gobern and Persley were buried this season. I would think that it is a safe bet that Marquis never see's the field. I also think it is a safe bet that the coaches don't run him off because his HS has been a pipeline in recent years for Washington. If he leaves it will be on his own in pursuit of some playing time.

Safety: Justin Glenn - So.*, Nate Williams - Sr.*

Depth:  Victor Aiyewa - Sr., Nate Fellner - So., Greg Walker - *So., Will Shamburger - Fr.

Newcomers: Jamaal Kearse - Fr., Taz Stevenson - Fr., John Timu - Fr. (UW may take one more Safety)

Possible Attrition: None

The defense took an audible hit when Glenn went down for the season against Notre Dame. He should be ready fall to take over the position again. The coaches love Nate Williams but Nate Fellner who showed a great nose for the ball last year could take over his starting spot. 

Nate Williams has durability problems. He seemed to rebound late in the season when he was teamed with Jason Wells who will be missed. Greg Walker started early but the coaches lost faith in him. He is young so he has a chance to rebound. Anthony Boyes could get a look here too because he played safety in HS. Safety is a cerebral position and Boyles isn't exactly cerebral.

Kearse, Timu, and Stevenson will all probably RS. All are capable of playing either WR or S. UW is still looking at bringing in another big time safety. Timu's career could be delayed because of a knee injury.

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

7 days ago: FILE - This is a Dec. 5, 2009, file photo showing Washington quarterback Jake Locker preparing to take a snap against California in the second half of an NCAA football game, in Seattle. Locker announced Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, he will return to Washington for his senior season, quickly putting to rest any lingering questions about his future. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

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It isn't exactly morning but when you are taking the red eye in from Maui to LA with a final destination of Chicago it will do. The big news is that QB Jake Locker is coming back for his senior year despite the fact that he is probably a top ten draft pick in this years NFL draft.

What is comes down to is Jake wants to finish what he came to Washington for and that is to lead the program backs to depths it has sunk to over the last decade. The level of coaching he received this season from the new staff was also a huge factor.

Jake raised his passing percentage nearly ten points this season while barely scratching the true potential he has to work with. Give Jake another year with Sarkisian and he is going to be ready to come in and lead an NFL team and not just draw a huge paycheck and hold a clipboard.

Locker's 5,374 career passing yards is sixth on the UW career charts. Locker is also just two yards shy of Marques Tuiasosopo's record as the UW's all-time leading rusher at the quarterback position. By staying one more year Jake puts himself in the position to become one of the top QB's statisticall to every play at Washington. He should also be the odds on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy next season. No Husky has ever won the Heisman.

If you are a diehard Husky fan you can breathe a huge sigh of relief today because even though Sarkisian was on the right track the loss of Jake could have set the program back a couple more years. His return along with with a boat load of starters on offense and defense means the Huskies should seriously challenge for the upper division of the Pac 10 next season.

If you ask Jake and the rest of the team they will tell you they are thinking Rose Bowl and Heisman Trophy. Jake's return gives the Huskies a decent shot at that even though Oregon will be the odds on favorite to win it all next season.

I decided to write a few lines today while pool side over here in Maui. Can't believe the timing we have had on this trip since it seems the entire Northern half of the country is getting pummeled by snow and low temps. A guy from Tillamook sat next to me yesterday and said it was under ten degrees at the coast...yikes!

So enough about the sun...lets talk a little about recruiting. Looks like our coaches have got to the point where they are being extremely picky in how they are going to fill up the rest of the class. They don't even have a recruiting weekend scheduled again until mid January.

Washington currently has 26 officially on the books at this time with room for probably no more than 3-4 more. OL Michael Criste is not one of these 26 according to Scout. That doesn't mean that he won't eventually be in the class it just means that UW is waiting on a couple of other kids before deciding on him. Same can be said for MLB Garret Gilliland.

The kids UW are waiting on right now are all highly rated playmakers, MLB Hayes Pullard, MLB VJ Fehoko, DE Josh Shirley, DT Kirifi Taula, CB Demetrious Wright are the major names who come to mind.

It doesn't really matter who is coaching at UW...whoever is signed by Christmas in a non transition year is who they usually end up with. January is usually a Plan B phase for Washington unless there is a five star in state that is waiting to sign. That isn't the case this season.

Currently the class is rated #1 in the Pac 10 and #8 in the nation which is incredible. It will be intersting to see how UW fills this class.

Do you remember Nathan Rhodes?

Nathan was a five star offensive line recruit out of Bakersfield who never played a single down for Washington because of congenital back problems. He declined surgery but still earned a medical scholarship at Washington. He was never very close to the program but had a part time job with the athletic department as a security job while as as a student at UW.

Our hearts go out to him tonight because his young child passed away after complications from a rare form of cancer. He was treated at St Jude's in Memphis which was started by a hero of mine named Danny Thomas.

Diesel Rhodes Link

Sept. 4 --- at BYU

Sept. 11 --- Syracuse

Sept. 18 --- Nebraska

Sept. 25 --- Bye week

Oct. 2 --- at USC

Oct. 9 --- Arizona State

Oct. 16 --- Oregon State

Oct. 23 --- at Arizona

Oct. 30 --- Stanford

Nov. 6 --- at Oregon

Nov. 13 --- UCLA

Nov. 20 --- Bye week

Nov. 27 --- at Cal

Dec. 4 --- at Washington State

Washington picked up another four star recruit last night when Micah Hatchie confirmed his intention to be a Husky during an in home visit. Hatchie is the sixth HS offensive lineman in this class. Hatchie is probably the top rated lineman that UW was recruiting this season even though he is now the third four star commit on the line in this class.

Will have more on this later after I get back from the beach.

Washington now has the eight ranked recruiting class in the country according to Scout and the top class in the Pac 10.

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

16 days ago: Washington's Jermaine Kearse (15) celebrates after Devin Aguilar (9) scored against California on a 13-yard pass reception in the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Seattle. Washington won 42-10. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

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Another football season has come and gone except this time it exits with considerable hope for Washington football fans. Steve Sarkisian and his staff did a great job in year one and by finishing with two solid wins over WSU and Cal they hit the off season and the end of recruiting in full stride.

If you follow the Huskies closely you realize that the second season has officially arrived and Washington is very close to putting together one of its best recruiting classes in decades. Expect the Dawgs to sign approximately thirty players with at least three of them arriving by spring practice. TB Jessie Callier, TB Denotae Cooper and now LB Victor Burnett have all said they will enroll early which pushes the potential size of this class up to 28 true frosh.

Not sure if the Huskies will sign any JC players. It looks like the coaches are starting to back off in that area. We will know soon anyway because any JC's they do sign need to be on campus right after the start of the year.

The Huskies picked up a couple of recent big time commits over the past couple of days. Four star WR/S Kevin Smith made it official last night that he was coming to Washington. Three star DT Lawrence Lagafuiana also committed after his trip this past weekend. Both are pretty solid to Washington but may take another trip or two just to make sure and enjoy the experience.

Huskies on the All Pac 10 Team

The All-Pac-10 Football Team has been announced and three Huskies are represented. WR Jermaine Kearse, DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim and LB Donald Butler all cracked the second team.

WR Devin Aguilar, OLB Mason Foster, OG Senio Kelemete, QB Jake Locker, TB Chris Polk, C Ryan Tolar and CB Desmond Trufant were all named honorable mention.

Pac 10 Power Ratings - Final Edition

1. Oregon...The Ducks did a lot better than I thought they would this season. I thought the overall youth and lack of experience at the WR positions would hold them back and it did not. Oregon goes out as the indisputed champ and starts 2010 as the favorite to win it again.

2. Oregon State...The Beavers had anothe fine season after the annual slow start and were only a defensive stop away from winning the conference title.

3. Stanford...Great year by Harbaugh and the Cardinal. Hard to fathom how Cal could have ever beat these guys.

4. Arizona...Strong win to finish the season over USC cements this as being a great season for Mike Stoops and his team. Next year they will be rebuilding since this was one of the most experienced squads int he league.

5. USC...Troy has fallen for a season yet they will bounce back just fine with plenty of young talent and an excellent coaching staff.

6. Washington...More than one pro writer chided me for picking UW this high at the start of the season and it looks like I don't have to eat crow either on this pick despite the absence of a bowl invitiation.

7. California...The Bears arrived in Seattle as one of the conferences hottest teams and they left in shame with a might plunge in the power ratings.

8 . UCLA...How did Washington lose to these guys?

9. Arizona State...How did Washington lose to these guys Part Deux?

10. Washington State...Wulff will have to scramble to keep his job past 2010.

Pac Ten Player of the Week

Jake Locker....The Husky QB was perfect against California.

Pac Ten Player of the Year

Toby Gerhart of Stanford also gets my vote for the Heisman if I had one.