Washington Football: 5 Position Battles You May Not Know About

In his first two years as head coach, Steve Sarkisian has set the precedent that no position is safe. Everybody knows about the big position battles that are always making headlines. The Price vs. Montana competition has been explored from every angle.

Everyone who follows the program knows two of the linebacker positions are up for grabs. But every year there are competitions and battles for playing time that go somewhat unnoticed, but are no less crucial to the success of a team.

5. Running Back (The Heir Apparent)

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LOS ANGELES - OCTOBER 2: Running back Jesse Callier #24 of the Washington Huskies carries the ball against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 2, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Obviously, the starting job this year will land firmly with Chris Polk, but there is a stable of youngsters anxious to prove they deserve the job in 2012.

Jesse Callier excelled with all his carries last year and will want to make a case that he can handle the starting role going forward. But Deontae Cooper, also highly recruited, will be back after missing last year with an injury. Incoming freshman Bishop Sankey will want to state his case for playing time. Expect things to get more crowded in 2012.

4. Punter

Rasp completes pass in Pullman

The Huskies are pretty set at this position. Will Mahan was the starter in 2010 and was doing a great job until he was sidelined during the bye week with an ACL tear. Fans trembled when we heard the only option was a walk-on punter with no game time experience.

Would he even catch the snap? Enter Kiel Rasp. He went on to average 43.76 yards per punt (including a whopping 80-yarder at Cal), and has a perfect completion percentage with a pass to Kearse in the Apple Cup. Mahan will have an uphill climb to get his job back.

3. Tight End

After a year with no player to dominate this role, the Huskies now have two—Michael Hartvigson (from Bothell) and Austin Seferian-Jenkins (the 5-star recruit from Gig Harbor).

Hartvigson missed most of last year due to injury. He is now healthy and has more time in Sark’s system. But ASJ enrolled in time for spring practices and looks to have enough raw talent to make the leap from high school immediately. Both will undoubtedly see the field this year, but it will be interesting to see who gets top billing and whether that changes at all as the season goes on.

2. Offensive Line

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LOS ANGELES - OCTOBER 2: Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Washington Huskies runs off the field with his team after warmups for th game with the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 2, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo b

At this point, the starting five look to be Senio Kelemete, Colin Tanigawa, Drew Schafer, Colin Porter, and Erik Kohler. But due to competition, necessary rotation and injury, look to see names like Ben Riva, James Atoe, Micah Hatchie and Mike Criste.

The coaches have proven they don’t mind shuffling personnel to get the combo they are looking for on the line. And they reward aggressive competition.

1. Cornerback

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 30: Running back Owen Marecic #48 of the Stanford Cardinal rushes against Desmond Trufant #6 of the Washington Huskies on October 30, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. Stanford won 41-0. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

The starters coming out of spring are Desmond Trufant and Quinton Richardson, who were the starting duo at this position for most of 2010. They both have a wealth of experience, but anyone who watched the Huskies play last year knows we didn't exactly shut down most opposing quarterbacks. Look for back-ups Adam Long, Gregory Ducre, or Anthony Gobern to steal a start somewhere throughout the season.

Conclusion

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: The Washington Huskies celebrate after the game with the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 2, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Washington won 32-31. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

As with any college team, things are always in flux. Essentially, every position is in a battle to see who deserves the start. Every player on the field has to show they want it more than the guy behind them. Coaches have shown that they don’t just start veterans any more. He who practices best, takes the field.