Takeaways From Washington's Third Fall Practice

Fresh off the confirmation that they would be playing in the Big Ten Conference in 2024, the Huskies had to suit up for their third fall practice and first in pads. But the news of the move didn't really seem to be at the top of anyone's mind.

"We see all that, we hear all that, but our focus is on the season in front of us," running back Cam Davis said at the conclusion of practice.

After taking one look at redshirt freshman wide receiver Denzel Boston, it's clear that the Big Ten is a distant thought for the Huskies at this point in time.

The product of Emerald Ridge High School had been one of the best players on the field for Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb's offense through the first two practices and continued his playmaking on Saturday. He was stopped on only one play— when Oregon transfer Darren Barkins got his hand in and made a strong play to rip the ball out of his hands.

Cornerbacks, with an appearance from all three freshmen 👀 pic.twitter.com/o8VDNhPTS5
— Roman Tomashoff (@rtomashoff34) August 5, 2023

It was another day of explosive plays for the offense, as Michael Penix connected with Ja'Lynn Polk for a 41-yard touchdown and Dylan Morris found Jalen McMillan for a score from the same distance. Penix has connected with Polk for more than a few big plays through the first three fall practices, adding two more on Saturday.

The defense also generated some big plays, as Armon and Jayvon Parker combined for a sack, and Tuli Letuligasenoa broke through and touched down the quarterback. It also recorded back-to-back interceptions, the first coming from true freshman Leroy Bryant, who picked off his classmate Austin Mack. The second came from Thaddeus Dixon off Dylan Morris.

Quarterbacks and receivers working on making plays in tight windows pic.twitter.com/Khl1c0j734
— Roman Tomashoff (@rtomashoff34) August 5, 2023

Inside the Notebook

Michael Penix has been working hard on throwing from different arm slots. He's displayed it during multiple practices, but it was prominent on Saturday, mainly while throwing on the move.
Cornerback Jabbar Muhammad looks much more comfortable in the defense now and made an impressive pass break-up while matched up with Rome Odunze on Saturday.
While Denzel Boston had the best day of any receiver, the play of the day goes to Ja'Lynn Polk, who made an impressive catch while laying on his back after slipping on his route. Some credit should also go to Penix, who made an accurate throw.
True freshman quarterback Austin Mack saw his first action in the team period of practice. He recorded a completion to freshman Taeshaun Lyons, but also spent the majority of both drives running for his life and probably would have been sacked twice by the defense. After practice, Ryan Grubb said he wants to see Mack have "more command" of the offense.
Speaking of Lyons, both he and his classmate Keith Reynolds took some time to field punts on Saturday. Both players showed that they can be dynamic with the ball in their hands on their high school tape and could see a faster route to the field on special teams.

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