Youngsters Impress At Washington's Open Practice

Even though it was a lightly attended practice, the fans in attendance got a glimpse at not only the present of Husky football on Sunday, but also the future. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. returned over the weekend from a few days of rest and participated in the first two team periods of the day.

The senior quarterback made a few memorable throws on Sunday before stepping back and giving Washington's underclassmen a chance to shine in front of the crowd. The same can be said for wide receiver Rome Odunze, who caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Penix.

Odunze also came up with a spectacular grab against safety Dominique Hampton during one-on-one drills in the end zone, pulling in a touchdown even though Hampton played perfect coverage throughout the rep. True freshman Rashid Williams also had a productive day, displaying his route-running savviness and making a few tough catches in one-on-ones.

Williams wasn't the only true freshman receiver who showed up on the stat sheet on Sunday. During the final 7-on-7 period, receiver Taeshaun Lyons ran a deep crossing route and found the end zone after sneaking by yet another true freshman in Vincent Holmes, who most likely would have made a tackle if the team were in full pads.

Inside the Notebook

If there was an award for player of the day, Sunday's honors would go to true freshman edge rusher Jacob Lane. He recorded two sacks late in practice and put a lot of pressure on the Husky quarterbacks whenever he was on the field.
Washington's defensive backs looked very good on Sunday, especially cornerback Elijah Jackson, who seems to be taking control of the battle to start across from Jabbar Muhammad.
Germie Bernard made a strong catch for a touchdown while working with the second team as Washington's receivers continue to assert themselves as arguably the best group of pass-catchers in the Pac-12.
Running back Dillon Johnson took reps with the second-team offense on Sunday as he continues to ramp up his snap count while working his way back from the knee injury and subsequent surgery he dealt with from Mississippi State. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb earlier conceded that Johnson had rushed back from the injury a little too quickly in the spring and the coaching staff has been extra cautious with him in fall camp.

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