Notebook | UW's use of true freshmen hits double digits

The Washington Huskies have already played 10 true freshmen, thought to be the school's most since freshman eligibility was restored in 1972.

Whether UW will play any more this year figures to be determined in the next week or so. UW offensive coordinator Tim Lappano said Tuesday at least three freshman skill players who have yet to see action this season could still play — receivers Cody Bruns and Anthony Boyles and running back Terrance Dailey.

"Pretty soon it's going to be time to either put the shirt on them or play them," Lappano said, referring to possibly redshirting the players to preserve a year of eligibility. "But right now they've got our eye, and we are going to have to make a decision maybe by the end of this week [on] what is going to happen."

All three impressed last week when the Huskies had a bye and conducted some substantial scrimmaging.

Bruns and Boyles had each been expected to see action with a young receiving corps. But Bruns, of Prosser, had his progress slowed when he took a helmet to the back during training camp. And Boyles, one of the more highly-touted incoming recruits, has struggled getting comfortable with the offense.

Boyles said Tuesday he expects to play against the Cardinal on Saturday.

"Hopefully I should be playing this week," Boyles said. "I've been busting my butt since the Oregon week, learning the plays more."

Asked why he hadn't seen the field yet, Boyles said: "To be honest with you, I wasn't working hard enough for them. I finally realized it's not high school anymore, you have to bust your butt every time, every play. I'm finally doing that now."

And he made it clear he'd like to play this season, saying, "I don't think it would be a good idea to redshirt me."

Said Lappano of Boyles: "He's giving a lot more effort on the practice field. He's making some good plays, running some routes better."

Lappano said Dailey has progressed quickly after kicking a habit of trying to turn every run outside.

"He's found out at this level you can't always get it going horizontally, and he's worked on that," Lappano said.

Notes

• Craig Noble, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive tackle from Taft High in Woodland Hills, has achieved eligibility and is expected to enroll in school this week and join the team. Noble had been expected to vie for immediate playing time this year. Now with a late arrival, he seems likely to redshirt though his role will become clearer in the coming days. He did not practice Tuesday.