COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Gage the Huskies' answer to 'Rudy'

However, Gage has earned things far more meaningful: a scholarship and a place in the starting lineup at 7 p.m. Saturday when the Huskies begin their season at Oregon.

Another difference is that Gage gives no hint that his teammates showed the streak of sadism that made Ruettiger's story so compelling. However, he acknowledges that walk-ons walk a difficult road.

"There's definitely a little bit of hurdles in the beginning," Gage said. "You definitely don't get as many reps. But when you're in there, you have to definitely make yourself known with those reps that you get. A lot of it is on special teams right away to see your athleticism. Eventually, if you get yourself established a little bit, you get your fair share. I think they give everybody a shot."

Gage grew up in the San Juans and played two seasons at Orcas Island High School. Then his family moved to Huntington Beach, Calif., where he was selected Edison High School's most valuable player as a linebacker and running back.

However, college coaches didn't see much potential at the next level. Villanova showed a spark of interest, which flickered and burned out. In the end, no college scholarships were offered.

"I definitely thought I played well enough to get some looks and possibly some scholarships - most every player does, I guess," Gage said. "I was fairly confident in my abilities. But sometimes it just doesn't work out. The recruiting process is a big deal. I didn't get a chance to do some camps that I would have liked to. I had a little bit of an injury going into my senior year. ... I had to go with another plan, and it worked out."

After considering some junior colleges, Gage decided to return to the Northwest and walk on at Washington.

He didn't see the field in his first two seasons, although his practice habits earned him the Special Teams Scout of the Year award at UW's 2006 postseason banquet.

Gage's breakthrough came last season, when he appeared in every game. He was a regular on special teams, but also began contributing on defense: three tackles vs. Arizona, one each vs. Ohio State, Oregon, California and Hawaii. And a fumble recovery in the Cal game.

Now a 6-foot-2, 226-pound sophomore, Gage moved to the top of the depth chart in spring, started there in fall, and kept the job all through camp, and was granted a scholarship for the second consecutive season.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity," he said. "And I'm going to try to work my hardest and see what happens."

His coaches expect things will work out fine when Gage makes his first career start alongside junior Donald Butler and sophomore Mason Foster.

"Donald has had a big role, and he did a great job during the summer time," defensive coordinator Ed Donatell said. "Mason Foster played as a freshman, but he's still a young player and working through that. And Josh Gage plays as well. I don't have major concerns. Josh Gage is a guy we trust a lot. He does what he's supposed to do when he's supposed to do it."

Gage said he will continue to work as hard as he did when he was a walk-on trying to claw up the depth chart.

"From the very beginning I've tried to work my hardest, study my hardest and try to be the best that I can be - what you can control," he said. "That helped me along with some of the hurdles that maybe a walk-on gets. But when you're in there in individual drills, always try to get better. And I still try to take that approach right now. Just because my name is on top of the depth chart doesn't necessarily mean anything. I'm just trying to become a better player and help the team as best I can."

Extra points

Offensive tackle Nick Scott, who walked on after transferring from Drake, also has been granted a scholarship. Coach Tyrone Willingham said additional scholarships might be granted before school starts Sept. 24. ... Willingham also said tight end Michael Gottlieb (hamstring), safety Jason Wells (knee) and one or more tailbacks won't make the trip. He said that true freshman Kavario Middleton could draw significant playing time at tight end. However, he declined to name the tailbacks until he could announce the travel squad to the team. ... The Huskies held their final practice for the Oregon game on Thursday afternoon. The 64-man travel squad will bus to Eugene today.