Lambright Expects Defensive Line To Rebound
After giving up 16 rushing touchdowns last year, including 11 in the last four games, it would stand to reason that the Washington Huskies would be trying to shore up the defensive line this season.
Instead, coach Jim Lambright keeps talking about the way he expects the defensive front to dominate games. That’s the word he uses: “Dominate.”
“It’s their time,” Lambright said Wednesday. “It’s time for them to be good.”
Not that they have been bad … but they have been far from “dominant.”
“Coach Lambright says we have guys who look more like basketball players than defensive linemen,” said senior tackle Mike Ewaliko. “We’re a little light in the pants, but we’ve worked hard. And with our experience, we can take advantage of our strengths.”
Junior tackle David Richie has bulked up to around 280 pounds, which should help to fortify the middle. Ewaliko (6-4, 260) and Stephen Hoffmann (6-6, 270) remain athletic but relatively trim.
Defensive ends Deke Devers and Jason Chorak are 245 and 250 pounds, respectively.
It’s pretty much the same group of players from last season, but defensive coordinator Randy Hart points to what he considers a significant difference.
“We’ve got balance that we haven’t had for a while - we’ve got good players with experience at every position,” he said. “They have better strength, and a better understanding of using leverage, and they’re all quick.”
Injury report
Oregon State’s Clint Rust, a starting senior defensive end, is scheduled for arthroscopic surgery after tearing some cartilage in his left knee during Monday’s preseason practice. He will be out a month.
Arizona tight end Damon Terrell, who collapsed during a training run a week ago, has been removed from the critical list and is listed in fair condition. Terrell’s status was upgraded Tuesday. He is out of intensive care.
No Freedom Bowl
The Freedom Bowl will take a one-year sabbatical in order to solidify its finances. The game, played at Anaheim (Calif.) Stadium, is expected to return to the bowl lineup in December 1996 as the Big Orange Classic.
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