Huskies ‘audition’ for running help

SEATTLE – After Washington’s week-three loss to Ohio State, a game in which the Huskies struggled to run the ball from the tailback position, coaches expressed a desire to get other backs into the action.

The following Saturday, in a loss to UCLA, Louis Rankin was the only tailback to carry the ball. Again, after that loss, another game in which the running game struggled, Washington coaches talked about getting other tailbacks involved. Again, against USC, Rankin was the only tailback with a carry.

So now, with the Huskies in the midst of their bye week, Husky fans have the right to be skeptical when they hear that Washington is trying to get its other tailbacks involved.

Both Tyrone Willingham and running backs coach Trent Miles said game situations have prevented them from getting other backs involved. Miles pointed out that against a strong defense like USC, the team didn’t want an inexperienced back in charge of protecting quarterback Jake Locker.

“You hate to throw a young man into the fire when teams are blitzing,” he said.

The Huskies hope the bye affords them a chance to get other tailbacks game ready, and to find a solid backup to Rankin. They hope to finally get other tailbacks involved when the team faces Arizona State on Oct. 13.

So far, J.R. Hasty, who was academically ineligible last year and redshirted as a freshman, and freshmen Curtis Shaw and Brandon Johnson have been listed as co-backups, although none has been active.

The bye week will allow all three a chance to get more reps in practice in hopes of impressing their coaches.

“They’re going to get their opportunities, I can tell you that,” said Miles. “This is a big two weeks for them. It’s up for grabs.”