Sporting News Blog Ranks UW # 6 in the Pac 10

#6 Washington - I want to put them higher. It isn't just because Sarkisian and Holt are there. Sarkisian will be a huge boost for Locker, not just as a play-caller, but also as Jake's QB coach. Locker will draw comparisons to Tebow, and already has. He is 6-3 230, can run, can pass, can pass while running. And Sarkisian's West Coast Expand offense is a perfect fit for him. His accuracy so far this spring/summer has been in the 60-70% range consistently. The passes are no longer bombs down the field, instead, 10-20 yard quick timing patterns. The thing that most people are not noticing, Washington was rebuilding last year. This year, look at the talent returning, #1, #2, #3 running backs, #1, #2, #3 wide receivers. Also 3 of 5 OL, including Center/Guard/Tackle of Locker's blindside.

Defensively, Holt and Sarkisian re-instated EJ Savannah after Ty booted him off the team the previous year. Savannah led Washington in tackles and was 2nd in tackles for loss in 2007. Also on-board is LB Mason Foster, who led Washington in tackles last year, add to him and Savannah, LB Donald Butler and you have the best LB corp in the Pac. Handed to Nick Holt on a silver platter. Nick's fun continues, he also gets back the Pac's second best DE in Daniel Te'o-Nesheim and his 20 career sacks and 33 career tackles for loss. Also back is last year's freshman starter Everrette Thompson at DT. The only defensive loss of note was of CB Mesphin Forrester. The other DBs are back. Why not higher? The schedule. LSU, USC, Notre Dame, I think a 6-6 or maybe 7-5 season is possible, and that will be a huge boost to this once proud program. Everything is in place for a Washington re-birth, not only is Locker ready to star, but they have the son of that guy Joe Montana also committed.