This team had the potential of good things last year. This year, they have the potential for things even greater. The emergence of Cody Pickett is a big plus. The passing game should be extremely potent, especially if Pickett can cut his 14 INTs down at all. But it's the running game that must be more involved. The balance created by a running game will make Pickett that much better. Averaging just 74 yards per game is not going to make it a competitive 2003 (PAC-TEN) season. This is a good offensive coaching staff who know what needs to be done, so look for coaches to give the ball to Alexis a lot more. The other key will be how well the supporting receivers compliment Reggie Williams. We think that Justin Robbins will burst back onto the scene and have an impact year. This offense will be dangerous and will put mucho points on the board. But to do all this, the Huskies must protect Pickett and preclude this by establishing a ground game to keep opposing LBs honest.

Defensively, the Huskies seem sound, but will need the back seven to gel once PAC-TEN play starts, if not sooner (with Ohio State first on the 2003 slate). The rush of the front-four will help ease them into their positions in the early going, but eventually, teams will find a way to get to them. We think the secondary will respond in a big way and step up to the challenge. The main concern is going to be the OLBs and how far they come along in a short amount of time. Again, expect to see more use of five DBs from this group to compensate the inexperience at LB until they come of age.

Starting out with (defending National Champion and possibly top-ranked) Ohio State in Columbus, this crew will be competitive. After that, they host a comfortable non-conference schedule and get USC, Oregon, and Washington State in Seattle. The telltale game of the year comes when they travel to Oregon State on October 18th. We feel that easily could be the game that decides the PAC-TEN championship. A two or three loss season is probable for the Huskies and a Top 10 finish if they do. Balance on offense and holding foes to 20% fewer points are realistic goals to guarantee success.

Passing: Cody Pickett, 612-365-14, 4458 yds., 28 TD's

Rushing: Rich Alexis, 202 att., 688 yds., 10 TD's

Receiving: Reggie Williams, 94 rec., 1454 yds., 11 TD's

Scoring: Reggie Williams, 11 TD's, 66 pts.

Punting: none

Kicking: none

Tackles: Marquis Cooper, 100 tot., 60 solo

Sacks: Manase Hopoi, 7 sacks

Interceptions: Derrick Johnson, 5 for 56 yds.

Kickoff returns: Charles Frederick, 30 ret., 20.0 avg.

Punt returns: Charles Frederick, 18 ret., 8.1 avg.

It will be interesting to see how the offense, especially Cody Pickett, handles the loss of Neuheisel. He was a mentor and a friend to Pickett, and his absence might take a psychological toll...Nobody has taken charge of the running back duties yet. Last year's starter Rich Alexis, and prime competitor Kenny James, both sat out the spring due to injuries. Shelton Sampson and Chris Singleton received the bulk of the carries in their absence, but neither did anything to create hope. It's imperative that the Huskies put the ball into the hands of at least one capable back, who can attract enough attention away from Pickett and Williams, to keep defenses honest and further mobilize this offense. There is also worry regarding the playing status of FB Zach Tuiasosopo, who faces possible felony charges… Backup QB Isaiah Stanback put on a display of athletic talent this spring, bringing to mind the possibility of utilizing him as a receiver this fall. He and Casey Paus have battled for the second spot, but Stanback's versatility and elusiveness must find its place somewhere other than the sidelines… An early name to throw out at WR - Craig Chambers. He's 6'5", 190 lbs., and can move. This guy can play, and the coaching staff would be wise to see that it happens.

CB Roc Alexander had a great spring, climaxed by the 45- yard INT return in the spring game. He and Derrick Johnson are the sole starters at those corner positions, after Nate Robinson left the team this spring to concentrate on his basketball career… The front four played well this spring, especially Jerome Stevens and Manase Hopoi. Hopi should accomplish Pac 10 honors this season as a feared rush end… ILB Scott White has heightened into a genuine article at linebacker and will push for a starting spot heading into the fall. Another guy to keep an eye on (at LB) is Notre Dame transfer Corey Jones. The hope that Greg Carothers would evolve into a sturdy linebacker was harvested into reality this spring, easing the burden Huskie coaches face at compensating such a depleted group. Also converting to OLB from the secondary is senior Domynic Shaw, who will help bring speed to the corps this season.

Kicker Evan Knudson was fantastic this spring, showing deadly accuracy and inspiring range, notching a few from beyond 50 yards. The real problems lie in the punt team. There was a three-man competition between Garth Erickson, Jeffrey Clay and Isaak Woldeit - nobody inspired any confidence, combining for a 28-yard average. These numbers will give incoming freshman Sean Douglas a great shot at starting. Roc Alexander and Charles Frederick look to be the prime return men this season. Alexander took a 92-yard KR for a score in the spring game.