DeBoer Holds First Husky Scrimmage, Seems Satisfied with What Happened

The new coach had his players mix it up for an hour, using half the field.

Former University of Washington quarterback Steve Pelluer was among the chosen few — coaches, one-time players, parents and recruits, but not the media — who on Friday were permitted to watch Kalen DeBoer's Huskies scrimmage for the first time. 

Pelluer came away from the session, in what doubled as spring practice No. 8, with the following assessment.

"They're going to score a lot of points," the now middle-aged man said.

Pelluer should know about these things — he was the 1983 Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, a two-time, first-team all-conference quarterback and an eight-year NFL veteran with the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs.

DeBoer will make reporters wait a week, until the second scrimmage on April 23, to get a look at his team in game-like situations. The new coach from Fresno State earlier explained how he wasn't quite ready for his guys to be publicly critiqued while easing into a new system.

He seemed satisfied with what went on over the hour-long competition, which involved 89 plays.

"It was very balanced," DeBoer said. "I thought the defense came out right away and did a nice job early on. Then the offense got a little steamed."

The offensive-minded leader had his players begin drives at midfield to keep things somewhat regulated and then ran some goal-line plays.

DeBoer mentioned how two of his quarterbacks, Indiana transfer Michael Penix Jr. and redshirt freshman Sam Huard, each had a long touchdown throw of at least 40 yards.

Wide receivers Jabez Tinae (15) and Junior Alexander (4) hustle off the field. 

Dan Raley

On the other side of those throws, he singled out sophomore wide receiver Taj Davis for having a productive morning. Davis has been running mostly with the second unit this spring. The coach also mentioned the play of wide receiver Jalen McMillan and tight end Devin Culp in his passing game.

Turning to the defense, DeBoer couldn't offer enough praise for redshirt freshman defensive tackle Kuao Peihopa, who has been with the No. 1 defense all along after getting injured and playing in just four games last fall. He was dominant at times.

"He really has a mindset," the coach said. "I just feel like mentally he's maturing and physically he's just causing problems. He's tough, can move, he plays hard. I thought he had a real nice scrimmage today."

DeBoer said his rotations have been fairly set through the first three weeks of practice, but there should be some movement following the scrimmage and subsequent grading process.

Redshirt freshman cornerback Davon Banks, who played in just four games last fall to preserve his eligibility, should rate more consideration for moving up. He had a pair of interceptions to impress the new staff. 

DeBoer also was greatly encouraged by the play of his edge rushers, highlighting sophomore Bralen Trice and junior Zion Tupuola-Fetui for creating the most havoc.

"I think our defensive ends, our edge rushers, have caused a lot of problems all spring, with Trice and ZTF in particular," the coach said. "They're just tough to handle on the outside."

Coaches, former players, parents and recruits came out for Friday's scrimmage. 

Dan Raley

Others mentioned for their efforts were Pittsburgh transfer Cam Bright for his physical play at linebacker, as he scrambles to learn the defense; junior Giles Jackson, the former Michigan player who's making a strong bid to become as much of a receiving threat as he is a kick returner for the Huskies; junior safety Asa Turner, being pushed to do more; and sophomore offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, who appears to be solidifying a starting job up front maybe quicker than anyone else so far.

"Troy, all week long, has done some really good things," DeBoer said.

The Huskies will make their second scrimmage open to the public and the media next weekend, and bring 15 practices to a close with a Spring Preview scrimmage on April 30, that will be shown on the Pac-12 Network. 

DeBoer said a conventional spring game, where the roster is split up with a draft and played under game-like conditions, just isn't feasible with the player shortages he now faces at running back and inside linebacker.

Go to si.com/college/washington to read the latest Husky FanNation stories as soon as they’re published.

Not all stories are posted on the fan sites.

Find Husky FanNation on Facebook by searching: Husky Maven/Sports Illustrated

Follow Dan Raley of Husky FanNation on Twitter: @DanRaley1 and @HuskyMaven