Breaking down the Huskies’ Week 1 depth chart

Here’s a look at the Huskies’ official Week 1 depth chart, with some analysis added beneath each position group. This is the same two-deep preview that will run in Tuesday’s newspaper.

OFFENSE

No. Player/Pos., Ht., Wt., Yr., Hometown/Last school

WIDE RECEIVERS

81 Brayden Lenius/WR, 6-5, 220, So., North Vancouver, B.C./Chaminade Prep

16 Marvin Hall/WR, 5-10, 190, Sr., Los Angeles, Calif./Dorsey

21 Quinten Pounds/WR, 5-11, 170, Fr., Cypress, Calif./Cypress

8 Dante Pettis/WR, 6-0, 185, So., San Clemente, Calif./Junipero Serra

18 Isaiah Renfro/WR, 6-1, 207, Fr., Los Angeles, Calif./Sierra Canyon

28 Nik Little/WR, 6-4, 205, Jr., Newport Beach, Calif./Golden West College

1 Jaydon Mickens/WR, 5-11, 170, Sr., Los Angeles, Calif./Dorsey

16 Marvin Hall/WR, 5-10, 190, Sr., Los Angeles, Calif./Dorsey

13 Chico McClatcher/WR, 5-7, 176, Fr., Federal Way, Wash./Federal Way

The skinny: Not a particularly experienced group, aside from Mickens, who led the team in receiving last season with 60 catches for 617 yards. Lenius (7 receptions) and Pettis (17 receptions) each played as true freshmen, but they’ll be relied upon for much more production this season. The Huskies’ top three receivers have decidedly different roles: Mickens is a quick slot guy; Pettis is a steady possession receiver; and Lenius, at 6-foot-5, is probably the most promising red-zone target.

The backups: Hall has game experience, but only 16 career receptions in three seasons. Beyond that, the Huskies will rely upon freshmen. McClatcher has taken enough practice repetitions to think he’ll be a factor early, and Renfro and Pounds both seem likely to play right away, too. When it comes to experience, the Huskies don’t have much of it at receiver.

OFFENSIVE LINE

79 Coleman Shelton/LT, 6-4, 293, R-So., Pasadena, Calif./Loyola

72 Trey Adams/LT, 6-7, 302, Fr., Wenatchee, Wash./Wenatchee

52 Jake Eldrenkamp/LG, 6-5, 296, R-Jr., Medina, Wash./Bellevue

73 Andrew Kirkland/LG, 6-4, 307, R-So., Portland, Ore./

OR 55 Dane Crane/LG, 6-3, 294, So., Irvine, Calif./Santa Margarita Catholic

65 Siosifa Tufunga/C, 6-3, 314, R-Sr., Long Beach, Calif./Long Beach Jordan

67 Michael Kneip/C, 6-5, 302, R-Jr., Bellevue, Wash./Bellevue

60 Shane Brostek/RG, 6-4, 305, R-Jr., Kamuela, Hawaii/Hawaii Prep

75 Jesse Sosebee/RG, 6-5, 311, R-Fr., Garden Grove, Calif./Edison

71 Matt James/RT, 6-4, 285, R-Fr., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho/Coeur d’Alene

OR 58 Kaleb McGary/RT, 6-7, 302, R-Fr., Fife, Wash./Fife

The skinny: Losing Dexter Charles, a 30-game starter who retired from football due to a recurring knee injury, was a big blow to a unit that returns only three players with starting experience – Shelton, Tufunga and Brostek – and even that trio has only three starts among them. Eldrenkamp could play tackle, but moved inside to replace Charles, with Shelton moving from right tackle to left. Tufunga and Brostek have also been fixtures with the No. 1 group since spring.

The backups: UW coaches would probably prefer not to play a true freshman on the offensive line, but Adams might have the frame and the nastiness to pull it off. Neither Sosebee, McGary or Crane have played in a college game, and Kneip hasn’t played much. Might be some growing pains as this young group figures things out.

TIGHT ENDS

82 Joshua Perkins/TE, 6-4, 226, R-Sr., Cerritos, Calif./Gahr

OR 15 Darrell Daniels/TE, 6-4, 241, Jr., Pittsburg, Calif./Freedom

OR 88 Drew Sample/TE, 6-4, 245, R-Fr., Bellevue, Wash./Newport

85 David Ajamu/TE, 6-4, 242, R-Fr., Shelton, Wash./Shelton

93 Connor Griffin/TE, 6-4, 235, R-So., Lake Oswego, Ore./Gonzaga

The skinny: This could be a nice position for the Huskies. Perkins quietly finished last season second on the team in receptions with 25 (for 315 yards and three touchdowns), and looked like a dependable target throughout camp. Daniels, a former receiver, adds a more athletic element to the group, evidenced by his 68-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown against Oregon State last season. The Huskies want to use their tight ends more this season, and they seem to have the personnel to do it.

The backups: There aren’t any players with much game experience behind Perkins and Daniels, but there does appear to be some talent. Sample had a solid training camp after redshirting last season, Ajamu has the frame and the potential to contribute, and Griffin, a former Gonzaga basketball player, made some impressive catches in camp and might be the walk-on with the best chance to carve out a role this season.

QUARTERBACKS

3 Jake Browning/QB, 6-2, 205, Fr., Folsom, Calif./Folsom

OR 5 Jeff Lindquist/QB, 6-3, 245, R-Jr., Mercer Island, Wash./Mercer Island

OR 11 K.J. Carta-Samuels/QB, 6-2, 220, R-Fr., Saratoga, Calif./Bellarmine Prep (San Jose)

The skinny: There’s a first time for everything, right? Chris Petersen has never started a true freshman at quarterback before, but after a three-man competition that began in spring and lasted through most of training camp, it appeared that Browning, the record-setting high-school passer, had the slightest edge over Lindquist and Carta-Samuels. All three quarterbacks are officially listed with an “OR” designation on UW’s depth chart, and Petersen says he won’t announce the starter before Friday. But here’s a guess that the youngest candidate wins out.

The backups: Huskies coach Chris Petersen has said it’s possible the Huskies could play two or three quarterbacks in the season opener, so it seems a good bet that all three will see the field at some point this season. Lindquist will likely have some kind of installed package no matter what, even if it’s only a series or two per game.

TAILBACKS

12 Dwayne Washington/TB, 6-2, 226, R-Jr., Lakewood, Calif./Gahr

OR 22 Lavon Coleman/TB, 5-11, 222, R-So., Lompoc, Calif./Lompoc

9 Myles Gaskin/TB, 5-9, 192, Fr., Lynnwood, Wash./O’Dea

6 Deontae Cooper/TB, 5-11, 200, 6-Jr., Perris, Calif./Citrus Hill

The skinny: It seemed that Washington separated himself from the rest of the Huskies running backs toward the end of last season, but him and Lavon Coleman are still listed together atop the depth chart. Coleman did lead the Huskies in rush attempts last season, while Washington led the team in rushing yards. Both are capable, though Washington presents a more legitimate big-play threat.

The backups: Gaskin is one of a handful of true freshmen who should play some this season. He was part of the Huskies’ talented in-state recruiting haul, and it says something that he’s already listed as a third-stringer. Seems like Cooper, the sixth-year junior team captain, will get his chances, too. Could also see redshirt freshman Jomon Dotson at some point.

DEFENSE

No. Player Pos. Ht., Wt., Yr., Hometown, Last school

DEFENSIVE LINE

5 Joe Mathis/DE, 6-2, 252, Jr., Ontario, Calif./Upland

92 Jaylen Johnson/DE, 6-2, 260, R-Fr., Corona, Calif./Centennial

OR 98 Will Dissly/DT, 6-4, 277, So., Bozeman, Mont./Bozeman

95 Jarett Finau/DL, 6-2, 274, R-Sr., Kirkland, Wash./Juanita

90 Taniela Tupou/DT, 6-2, 288, R-Sr., Marysville, Wash./Archbishop Murphy

98 Will Dissly/DT, 6-4, 277, So., Bozeman, Mont./Bozeman

OR 66 Damion Turpin/DT, 6-4, 276, R-Jr., Compton, Calif./Dominguez

96 Shane Bowman/DT, 6-3, 273, R-Fr., Bellevue, Wash./Bellevue

11 Elijah Qualls/NT, 6-1, 311, So., Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande

99 Greg Gaines/NT, 6-1, 321, Fr., La Habra, Calif./La Habra

OR 50 Vita Vea/NT, 6-5, 340, R-Fr., Milpitas, Calif./Milpitas

The skinny: An entirely new starting group this season after the departures of Danny Shelton, Evan Hudson, Andrew Hudson and Hau’oli Kikaha. But there’s potential here: Mathis and Qualls were each touted recruits who have some game experience, and Tupou is seen as a veteran leader of sorts. Defensive line coach Jeff Choate calls Mathis a “splash” player with a knack for getting to the quarterback, and Qualls provides a big body in the middle.

The backups: Johnson, Dissly and Vea each saw significant practice repetitions during 11-on-11 periods in camp, and Dissly in particular should play extensively, given his versatility. Vea and Gaines both provide nice size behind Qualls, and Finau, Turpin and Bowman provide some decent depth. Choate said the Huskies might use more “hockey style” substitution patters along the d-line this season, so they’re going to rely on a lot of players.

LINEBACKERS

41 Travis Feeney/BUCK, 6-4, 226, R-Sr., Richmond, Calif./Pinole Valley

28 Psalm Wooching/BUCK, 6-4, 236, R-Jr., Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i/Kealakehe

29 Connor O’Brien/BUCK, 6-3, 238, R-So., Trabuco Canyon, Calif./Santa Margarita

36 Azeem Victor/MLB, 6-3, 240, R-So., Upland, Calif./Pomona

47 Scott Lawyer/MLB, 6-2, 232, R-Sr., San Jose, Calif./Oak Grove

54 Jake Wambaugh/MLB, 6-1, 220, R-Fr., San Diego, Calif./Point Loma

25 Keishawn Bierria/WLB, 6-1, 221, R-Fr., Carson, Calif./Narbonne

34 Sean Constantine/OLB, 6-2, 224, R-Fr., Hunts Point, Wash./Bellevue

25 Ben Burr-Kirven/OLB, 6-0, 201, Fr., Menlo Park, Calif./Sacred Heart Prep

42 Cory Littleton/SAM, 6-3, 227, Sr., Spring Valley, Calif./Mount Miguel

17 Tevis Bartlett/SAM, 6-2, 218, Fr., Cheyenne, Wyo./Cheyenne East

15 DJ Beavers/SAM, 6-0, 211, Fr., Culver City, Calif./Crespi Carmelite

The skinny: Feeney began his career as a safety, moved to outside linebacker, and is now at the “buck” spot that Hau’oli Kikaha occupied last season. Littleton, who has 18 career starts and was once a defensive end, locked down the strongside linebacker spot from Day 1 and is one of UW’s most important defensive players. Bierria played some behind Shaq Thompson last season, while Victor, a big, hard-hitting middle linebacker, was impressive throughout spring and fall camp.

The backups: Lawyer provided decent competition for Bierria at the weakside linebacker spot, and can also back up Victor at middle linebacker, so expect to see him on the field. Wooching showed some improved pass-rushing skills throughout camp, and looks like a solid option if Feeney ever needs a breather. Constantine and Wambaugh seem to practice well, and can help with depth. So can Bartlett, who will certainly play some this year as a freshman.

SECONDARY

32 Budda Baker/FS, 5-10, 178, So., Bellevue, Wash./Bellevue

9 Brandon Beaver/S, 6-0, 196, R-Jr., Compton, Calif./Dominguez

35 Brian Clay/SS, 6-1, 207, R-Sr., Vacaville, Calif./Hawaii (Wood HS)

14 Jojo McIntosh/SS, 6-0, 196, R-Fr., Canyon Country, Calif./Chaminade Prep

24 Ezekiel Turner/SS, 6-2, 206, So., Pasadena, Maryland/L.A. Pierce

26 Sidney Jones/CB, 6-0, 178, So., Diamond Bar, Calif./West Covina

19 Brandon Lewis/CB, 5-10, 186, R-Fr., Rancho Murieta, Calif./Pleasant Grove

23 Jordan Miller/CB, 6-0, 163, Fr., Oceanside, Calif./Oceanside

20 Kevin King/CB, 6-3, 183, Jr., Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd

OR 3 Darren Gardenhire/CB, 5-11, 185, So., Long Beach, Calif./Cabrillo

4 Austin Joyner/CB, 5-10, 186, Fr., Marysville, Wash./Marysville-Pilchuck

The skinny: A group that was the weak spot of the defense last season all of a sudden looks like a strong point. Baker should only improve after a fairly impressive freshman season in which he led the team in total snaps played. Same for Jones, who started 12 games last season and never relinquished his starting cornerback spot. Gardenhire was one of the biggest risers through spring and fall – and intercepted more passes during camp than anyone else on the team – but he has strong competition from King, a converted safety. Clay, a savvy veteran, gets first crack at a strong safety spot that will likely feature some rotation.

The backups: Beaver can play both safety positions, and is also a candidate to play some nickel, too. McIntosh and Turner bring a more physical style of play to the strong safety position, and both should see the field plenty this season. Joyner and Miller could play, too, at least on special teams, and Trevor Walker, who tore his ACL in October, could eventually be in the mix, too.

SPECIALISTS

No. Player/Pos Ht., Wt., Yr., Hometown/Last school

48 Cameron Van Winkle/PK, 5-10, 184, Jr., Fall City, Wash./Mount Si.

OR 43 Tristan Vizcaino/PK, 6-2, 205, So., Chino Hills, Calif./Damien

45 Korey Durkee/P, 6-4, 247, Sr., Gig Harbor, Wash./Gig Harbor

43 Tristan Vizcaino/P, 6-2, 210, Fr., Chino Hills, Calif./Damien

32 Budda Baker/KR, 5-10, 178, So., Bellevue, Wash./Bellevue

4 Austin Joyner/KR, 5-10, 186, Fr., Marysville, Wash./Marysville-Pilchuck

8 Dante Pettis/PR, 6-0, 185, So., San Clemente, Calif./Junipero Serra

13 Chico McClatcher/PR, 5-7, 176, Fr., Federal Way, Wash./Federal Way

77 Ryan Masel/LS, 6-1, 220, Sr., Phoenix, Ariz./Desert Vista

51 Luke Hutchison/LS, 6-2, 225, R-So., Carnation, Wash./O’Dea

5 Jeff Lindquist/HLD, 6-3, 246, R-So., Mercer Island, Wash./Mercer Island

The skinny: A few playmakers here. Baker will be interesting to watch at the kick return spot in place of John Ross, who is out for the season due to a knee injury. Pettis last season became the first Husky to return a punt for a touchdown since 2003, and averaged 10.3 yards per return. Van Winkle made 20 of his 23 field-goal attempts last season. Durkee averaged 41.2 yards per punt, and has competition from Vizcaino, who will handle the team’s kickoff duties.

This story was originally published September 1, 2015 at 6:39 AM with the headline "Breaking down the Huskies’ Week 1 depth chart."