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Basically ... The offense has some good pieces to work with, but there's not a whole bunch of established star power or experience. WR Charles Frederick has to shine as the marquee player of what's going to be a good receiving corps, while the running backs are good, but will be underutilized. Losing QB Cody Pickett is tough, but there are three good options to pick up the slack led by junior Casey Paus. The offensive line needed several defensive linemen to come over to provide help.
Star of the offense: Senior WR Charles Frederick
Player that has to step up and become a star: Junior QB Casey Paus
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore RB Kenny James
Best pro prospect: Senior OT Khalif Barnes
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Barnes, 2) Frederick, 3) FB Zach Tuiasosopo
Strength of the offense: Tight end
Weakness of the offense: Offensive line depth
Quarterbacks
Projected Starter
- Casey Paus, Jr. - The strong-armed Paus appears ready to take over Cody Pickett's starting job. While not much of a scrambler, he'll put up big numbers this season with the smarts, quick
release and experience to handle the position. He saw limited action last year completing 10 of 23 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns with an interception.
Top Backups
- Isaiah Stanback, Soph. - With the speed an athleticism to be a part-time receiver, Stanback provides a different look to the quarterback mix. He's not nearly the passer that Casey Paus is,
but he's a dangerous option as the number two quarterback and will find a spot somewhere on the field utilizing his all-around skills.
- Carl Bonnell, RFr. - The Washington State transfer was a star high school player winning two straight Washington state titles. While he's a good passer, he's best when on the move.
- Matt Tuiasosopo, Fr. - The younger brother of Rose Bowl winning QB Marques was supposed to be in the mix for the starting spot, but he opted for a professional baseball contract over a
college football scholarship. Tuiasosopo, who was the Seattle Mariners’ first draft choice (3rd round) as a shortstop.
The Skinny: Cody Pickett wasn't bad last year posting a 3,043-yard, 15 touchdown season, but it wasn't the All-America season expected. Casey Paus should be able to step in and produce
with all the talent and decision-making ability to be a top player in the offense. As good as he is, Isaiah Stanback and Carl Bonnell are even more exciting prospects.
Player to keep an eye on: Carl Bonnell ... Quarterback Rating: 6.5
Running Backs
Projected Starter
- Kenny James, Soph. - James has tremendous talent and should turn into one of the Pac 10's better backs coming off a 530-yard, two-touchdown season averaging 4.3yards per carry. He did all
that after still recovering from a knee injury suffered last spring, and now he's looking ready to have a breakout year.
- Fullback Zach Tuiasosopo, Sr. - Tuiasosopo made a great transition from linebacker to become one of the best all-around fullbacks in the nation. He ran for 87 yards and caught 11 passes for
132 yards, and he's a thundering blocker.
Top Backups
- Chris Singleton, Jr. - A broken foot knocked Singleton out last year, but he should be back this fall to give the rushing attack more power. He ran for 224 yards as a
sophomore.
- Shelton Sampson, Soph. - Sampson is a big-time home-run hitter with a nose for the goal line scoring eight times last year righting to 274 yards. He was the Washington state champion sprinter
in high school and should use that speed once again to be a great complement to Kenny James.
- James Sims Jr., Jr. - While only 205-pounds, the former safety will be used more as a receiver backing up Zach Tuiasosopo at fullback.
The Skinny: The running game was average again last year averaging 3.1 yards per carry rushing for 1,434 yards. The players are there for a big change as Kenny James and speedy Shelton
Sampson have the talent to add a boost to the game. The fullbacks are outstanding, and Chris Singleton will add even more power when he comes back.
Player to keep an eye on: Shelton Sampson ... Running Back Rating: 6
Receivers
Projected Starters
- Corey Williams, Soph. - One Williams has to try and replace another. Corey only made five catches last year, but he made them count with 57 yards and two touchdowns with one coming late in a
thrilling win over Washington State. While not near the talent that Reggie Williams is, he has the skill to be a good receiver in the system.
- Charles Frederick, Sr. - Frederick is one of the team's best all-around players as a star punt and kick returner and explosive receiver. He'll have to shine in the go-to role now that Reggie
Williams is gone, and he has the talent to do it catching 59 passes for 831 yards and five touchdowns last season. He has tremendous speed and can hit a home-run from anywhere on the field.
- Tight end Joe Toledo, Jr. - Toledo has the talent to be the next great Washington tight end, but he has a problem staying healthy getting a shoulder banged up before hurting his back knocking
him out last year. H's 6-6, 285 pound and can move averaging 11.1 yards per catch on eight grabs. He was arrested this past January after his involvement in a fight at a local nightclub, then
subsequently pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice. Gilbertson placed Toledo on probation for a year, which means that he could face suspension if he’s unable to keep his nose clean
for the next 12 months
Top Backups
- Charles Smith, RFr. - The immensely talented redshirt freshman has the all-around skill to be a fine backup behind Charles Frederick. He was a great practice player last year and should see
plenty of work as the coaching staff gains more trust in him.
- Quintin Daniels, Soph. - Daniels caught four passes for 35 yards last year in a limited role. He hit the weights over the last two years and should turn into a physical receiver at 205
pounds. He'll combine with Corey Williams at split end trying to replace Reggie Williams.
- Anthony Russo, RFr. - Russo will man the slotback role using his quickness to make plays underneath. He'll have to fight with bigger receivers Sonny Shackelford and Bobby Whitmore for
time.
- Sonny Shackleford, Soph. - One of the team's rising stars, the 6-1 sophomore made seven catches for 92 yards and a true freshman. He can return punts if needed.
- Tight end Jon Lyon, Sr. - The 260-pound Lyon will see plenty of work with Joe Toledo trying to get healthy and in the good graces of the coaching staff. He was third on the team with 17
catches for 231 yards stretching the field for a 13.6 yard average.
The Skinny: Don't expect the overall production to drop-off even after the loss of Reggie Williams. It'll take several players to make up for his 89 catches, 1,109 yards and eight
touchdowns, but there are good young talents waiting in the wings to give it a go. Charles Frederick has to step up his overall game as a number one receiver, while the rest of the extremely
young corps has to grow up in a hurry.
Player to keep an eye on: Corey Williams ... Receiver Rating: 7
Offensive Line
Projected Starters
- Tackle Khalif Barnes, Sr. - The rock of the line, Barnes is a 310-pound veteran who'll be the leader of the relatively inexperienced group. He's not only physical, he can move too great at
pulling and with the feet to handle most speed rushers.
- Guard Clay Walker, Soph. - Walker is a part-time center who'll combine with Tusi Sa'au to replace Nick Newton at left guard. Walker isn't as big as Sa'au, but he doesn't have the back
problems Sa'au is dealing with.
- Center Brad Vanneman, Jr. - Vanneman overcame a foot injury to get two starts last year. He has the experience to step in and be a good leader and physical 300-pound run blocker in the
middle.
- Guard Rob Meadow, Jr. - A torn up knee halted the rising career of the 300-pound Meadow. When 100%, he'll be the starter at right guard competing with Stanley Daniels.
- Tackle Ryan Brooks, Sr. - Brooks has been in the mix for years mostly as a reserve. The former tight end has the experience, and the athleticism, to shine in his final year getting the start
on the right side.
Top Backups
- G Tusi Sa'au, Jr. - The 310-pound junior will battle with Clay Walker for the left guard job. He's big and powerful, but he has a problem with a back that kept him out of spring ball.
- G Stanley Daniels, Soph. - Daniels will work on the right side of Rob Meadow's knee isn't healed. He's a 305-pound defensive lineman by trade making the switch.
- T Tui Alailefalueula, Sr. - With tackle depth an issue, defensive linemen Graham Lasse and Alailefalueula move over to the offensive side. The two will compete for playing time on the right
side behind Ryan Brooks.
The Skinny: It'll be interesting to see what first year line coach Charlie Dickey comes up with as the depth is lacking needing convert several players from the defensive side. Things
should be fine if players like Rob Meadow and Tusi Sa'au can be healthy and if the rest of the starters can avoid injury. A s a whole, the line has to cut down on sacks allowed and get more of
a push in the running game.
Player to keep an eye on: Clay Walker ... Offensive Line Rating: 6
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