Ex-Huskies are playing key roles with Central

They notice the differences on road trips. Hotels aren't as nice, food isn't as fancy and they even have to carry their own luggage.

Life for Division II football players might not be as glamorous as it is for a Pac-10 athlete, but off-the-field perks mean little for five former Washington Huskies now suiting up for the Central Washington Wildcats.

What matters is that they're getting a second chance to play college football.

Chris Rohrbach, Jared Bronson, Chris Hemphill, Durrell Moss and Charles Smith all once wore Huskies purple and gold but now wear the crimson and black of Central Washington, a D-II program in Ellensburg.

Rohrbach and Bronson, both former UW walk-ons, transferred to CWU early in 2006 and are in their second seasons with the Wildcats, though neither played much last season due to injuries. Hemphill, Moss and Smith were among the casualties when coach Tyrone Willingham decided not to bring back some fifth-year seniors, and are playing their first season with Central.

Some bitterness remains.

"Willingham dropped a bomb on me at an unexpected time," Hemphill said of the surprise announcement that stirred up controversy the week before last year's Apple Cup.

Almost 11 months later, the trio joins two former UW walk-ons in trying to make the most of a second chance.

"They fit in real well," said Beau Baldwin, Central's first-year coach. "They've all contributed. They've all had their role and all done a great job. It's been a great addition."

They have helped lead the team to a 5-1 record (3-1 North Central Conference) and a No. 17 ranking in the D2football.com poll as the Wildcats head into Saturday's fifth Battle in Seattle against rival Western Washington at 6 p.m. at Qwest Field. The Wildcats' only loss is a seven-point defeat to then-No. 2 North Dakota.

The size of stadiums and hotels isn't the only difference between Division I and II football. Athletes are a little smaller and the game is a little slower, but it's not like the UW refugees are suddenly playing against peewee teams.

"It's still fast and physical," Baldwin said.

Each has started and contributed. Rohrbach, a senior receiver, ranks second on the team with 24 catches for a 14-yard average, and four touchdowns. Bronson, a junior tight end, has 21 receptions for a team-best 16-yard average, and two TDs. Moss is the team's No. 1 fullback and has caught a TD pass. Smith, a senior receiver who has been hampered by a thigh injury, also returned punts. Hemphill, a senior defensive back, leads the team with four interceptions, two in one game, and has made 23 tackles.

Some of the biggest differences between UW and CWU football are off the field. Major-college football is a business. It's about selling out 75,000-seat stadiums and big TV contracts.

"The budget here is a lot smaller," said Rohrbach, whose Wildcats play at 4,000-seat Tomlinson Stadium. "Not being in a big city like Seattle, we're not broadcast or published as much as UW."

Ninety minutes over the mountains on I-90, away from the bright lights of the big city, all five cheer on their former school.

"I wish them the best," said Hemphill. "I still watch the games. Those are my boys."

During the Huskies' recent bye week, Marcel Reece, Roy Lewis, Jordan Reffett and other Huskies drove to Ellensburg to see their former teammates play. Central won 45-40 over South Dakota.

"Chris is optimistic no matter what the situation is," said Lewis, Hemphill's cousin. "That's just the kind of person he is. He is going to play to the best of his ability no matter where he is at."

Initially, the new Central players were worried they wouldn't be noticed on a smaller stage.

"I'm trying to make as many INTs as I can so I can get noticed," said Hemphill. "At first I was worried, but people are starting to take notice. That makes me feel better. I'm going out here and playing hard every week, and people are watching. The more we win, the more people watch."

And the more they like having a second chance — and a homecoming of sorts Saturday in Seattle.

"They love us here and they appreciate us," said Hemphill. "We make a big impact on the team, and that feels good to contribute."