Locker, Husky freshmen waiting in the wings

They are the future — guys like Jake Locker and Cameron Elisara and eight other true freshmen who spent this year at Washington sitting out as redshirts.

And despite a sudden downturn that has seen UW lose six consecutive games and cause many to wonder if the program is really building any momentum, they say they have no doubts about what that future holds.

"We've made strides from last year, and hopefully we will keep going in that direction," said Locker, the quarterback many have dubbed as "the savior" of the program. "With the coaching staff we have, they know what they are doing. We just have to buy into it and we will be fine."

The collapse after the 4-1 start this season has raised anew the issue of whether coach Tyrone Willingham, in his second year with the Huskies, and all of his players were on the same page.

But some around the program say a little chafing around the edges would be inevitable as the roster this year includes two classes of players brought to Washington by Rick Neuheisel, one signed by Keith Gilbertson, one signed by both Gilbertson and Willingham, and one signed entirely by Willingham.

By next fall, however, loyalty should no longer be a factor. There are 28 scholarship players on the current roster signed by Willingham. Assuming UW signs a full class of 25 this year, there will be more than 50 players on the roster next season signed by Willingham.

"We are bringing in good players with positive futures and the attitude will be the thing that makes the difference," Willingham said. "The first thing I heard [when he got the job] from so many of the press is that these guys have been through a lot. Well, guess what? We will have a group of guys [next year] that won't have those experiences. They are coming in here believing and knowing which direction this program is going, and that attitude is a tremendous thing and may be the difference in making a play."

"We are all going to make a big impact next year," said Elisara, a defensive tackle, adding that "for me, what's happened this year has just been motivation."

Locker is the most obvious to make an impact because he will have a chance to start.

"I can't say enough about him," said linebacker Scott White. "I noticed the poise and maturity from the minute he stepped on campus. He just has something about him. He has that 'It' factor. He just has an aura that draws people to him. He's going to be a special talent."

Willingham said Saturday he "might have" played Locker had he known the way the season would turn once quarterback Isaiah Stanback was injured.

Locker, though, said he has no regrets.

"I mean, if we could all predict the future, everything would be better," Locker said. "As I said from the beginning, I will have faith in the coaching staff that they will do the best thing for me, and I believe that they did. This is going to benefit me."

Others who have drawn raves for their play on scout teams include receiver D'Andre Goodwin, nicknamed "the flea" for his quickness, offensive tackle Cody Habben, guard Ryan Tolar and defensive linemen Elisara, De'Shon Matthews and Matt Sedillo.

"I just like how they go about their business," White said. "They are not focused on partying or hanging out. They really are workmen, blue-collar kind of guys."

Many, like Elisara and Locker, came believing they would play immediately. But Washington played only two true freshmen this year — fullback Paul Homer and linebacker Donald Butler, who each look to be possible starters next year after playing reserve roles this season.

"I've benefited from [redshirting] a lot more than I thought I would," Elisara said. "I thought I would come in and play, but I'm glad that I didn't. I will come in next year a lot stronger player than I was."

In all, UW has 14 scholarship players sitting out this season as redshirts, including running back J.R. Hasty, who was declared academically ineligible before the season. Hasty has been practicing all season, however, and has impressed coaches with his attitude and condition after he struggled in the spring when he put on some weight.

So next year, they will finally, unquestionably, be Ty's Guys, resolute good days are ahead.

"When we first got here, we all got along really well," Locker said of the recruiting class of 2006. "There's a good chemistry among all the guys. We have a lot of things in common. Everyone likes to work hard and we all have the same goal of coming here to win. That was apparent from the first couple of weeks that we hung out."

Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com. Read his blogs on Washington football and basketball at www.seattletimes.com/huskies.