UW Football | Freshmen showing promise

They are the ones who might have the easiest time seeing a bright future ahead, if only because they have so much time left.

While upperclassmen grow frustrated over another season slipping away and fans slip into panic mode, members of Washington's football freshman class remain undeterred in their optimism.

"We are always looking forward because you can't dwell on what's happened in the past," said true freshman receiver Alvin Logan.

And aside from Jake Locker, it is the freshmen who make up the recruiting class of 2007 who hold the hope of the future for UW football.

Washington signed 25 freshmen last February and to date only one — lineman Emeka Iweka of Rainier Beach, who was declared academically ineligible — is not in the team's immediate plans.

Twenty-two currently are on the roster, including seven who are playing this season.

Two more are expected to enroll in the winter after getting a qualifying score — receivers Anthony Boyles and Devin Aguilar.

"I think it's a solid class," said coach Tyrone Willingham.

Just from the true freshmen who have played at this point, they have already made the most impact of any class in the Willingham era.

Only two true freshmen played last season — fullback Paul Homer and linebacker Donald Butler — and only two in 2005 — linebacker Chris Stevens and defensive end Darrion Jones.

In this freshmen class, two have started games — cornerback Vonzell McDowell Jr., and linebacker Mason Foster — while safety Nate Williams has become a regular in the team's nickel defense.

Other true freshmen who have played are running backs Brandon Johnson and Curtis Shaw, fullback Austin Sylvester and safety Victor Aiyewa.

That most of those who have played are defensive backs and running backs makes sense because those were two areas of need this season.

Linemen typically need more time to become physically ready to play.

Of those who have played, Foster has emerged as maybe the biggest surprise, having started two of the past three games at weakside linebacker in place of E.J. Savannah, who was benched for disciplinary reasons and slowed by a nagging pinched nerve.

A graduate of Seaside (Calif.) High, Foster was lightly recruited, garnering little Pac-10 interest until after he committed to UW — Oregon was among those that came calling.

"His stock continues to rise," said linebackers coach Chris Tormey. "He has a lot of positive attributes. He can run, he's smart and he loves to play the game."

McDowell earned a starting role early because of injuries at cornerback, and while some rough moments had him on the bench for a while, he went most of the way last week after Byron Davenport was replaced after the second series.

Like Foster and Williams, McDowell was on the field for a lot of plays that went against the Huskies on Saturday.

However, their mere presence on the field at least indicates some hope for the future.

The 15 who haven't played this year have been impressive in their own ways, coaches say.

Defensive end Tyrone Duncan is out after having shoulder surgery, though he was able to practice early. The rest have generally been healthy enough to compete.

Randy Hart, coach of the defensive line, says Duncan, defensive tackle Nick Wood and defensive end Kalani Aldrich "are who we thought they'd be" and all could contribute next season on a line that loses three senior starters.

Offensive tackle Skyler Fancher, who drew late interest from USC, is becoming "the type of player that we need more of in this program," said offensive-line coach Mike Denbrock, by being "a very tough, very physical kid who loves contact, loves to be in the mix."

Tormey said Cort Dennison "has really shown improvement the last three, four weeks" indicating he could be in the running next season to take over for graduating Dan Howell at strongside linebacker.

Secondary coach J.D. Williams has said cornerback Marquis Persley has been impressive enough to merit playing some this year but that it makes more sense to save his year.

Coaches also thought about taking the redshirt off kicker Erik Folk once he recovered from an early back injury but decided to also save his year.

One slight worry is Logan, who will be in the mix to help replace five senior receivers next year but has been battling a groin injury.

But Logan shrugs it off and promises he'll be fine.

If so, maybe eventually the Huskies will be, as well.

Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com.

A LOOK AT UW'S CLASS OF 2007

Victor Aiyewa, safety — Played in every game on special teams, has five tackles

Kalani Aldrich, defensive end — Redshirting, but has impressed coaches with athleticism and toughness

Mark Armelin, offensive tackle — Redshirting, has been working at both tackle spots

Cort Dennison, linebacker — Redshirting, settling in at strongside linebacker, a spot that will be open next year

Tyrone Duncan, defensive line — Redshirting and unable to practice because of a shoulder injury

Skyler Fancher, offensive tackle — Redshirting, working at both tackle spots

Erik Folk, kicker — Redshirting, has returned to practice after missing time early with a back injury

Mason Foster, linebacker — Has started two of the past three games at weakside linebacker, has 11 tackles

Ronnie Fouch, quarterback — Redshirting, makes every trip as the No. 3 quarterback

Willie Griffin, running back — Redshirting, reminds some of Willie Hurst

Chris Izbicki, tight end — Redshirting, but figures to compete for playing time next season

Brandon Johnson, running back — Has played in every game, has 33 yards on 13 carries

Alvin Logan, wide receiver — Redshirting, has been slowed with a groin injury

Vonzell McDowell Jr., cornerback — Has played in seven games, starting three, has 20 tackles

Marquis Persley, cornerback — Redshirting but has been impressive in practices, according to coaches

Quinton Richardson, safety — Former O'Dea star is redshirting

Curtis Shaw, running back — Has played in every game, has five carries for 3 yards

Scott Shugert, guard — Redshirting, impressed with his play during the bye week

Austin Sylvester, fullback — Came in at linebacker but now at fullback full time

Nate Williams, safety — Has played in all eight games, regular on the nickel defense

Nick Wood, defensive tackle — Redshirting, sat out early after having wrist surgery

Brandon Yakaboski, running back — Redshirting, battled a concussion problem early

ALSO — WRs Anthony Boyles and Devin Aguilar did not get admitted into school for the fall but are expected to enroll for the winter quarter and be eligible next year.