UW Spring Practice No. 7 Had Back Flips, Sparring, Gate-Crashing

A rehash of the Huskies' latest workout had some unusual moments.

If this running back gig doesn't work out for Jonah Coleman at the University of Washington, the Arizona transfer might want to consider entering the Paris Olympics this summer as a gymnast or at the very least try his hand as a Husky yell leader.

On Tuesday during a punt-coverage drill, the 5-foot-9, 225-pound junior from Stockton, California, left everyone a little awestruck when -- in full pads -- he did a cartwheel followed by a backflip with a perfect landing.

It was athleticism over the top and left everyone on the field amazed over what just took place. Well, everyone except senior linebacker Carson Bruener, who proceeded to join in the late-practice fun and do his own full-pads backflip.

On any other day, Bruener's effort would have been a show-stopper, but it was a definite silver-medal performance when compared to Coleman's.

NO DURFEE

While Husky injuries aren't readily addressed during spring ball, though the Big Ten is going to ask for some accountability on this matter in the coming regular season, edge rusher Zach Durfee left the field with a trainer before everything ended on Saturday after twice getting hurt and did not show up for Tuesday's session.

With no confirmation whatsoever, there is a sneaking suspicion that the 6-foot-5, 255-pound senior won't practice again this spring. Or at least not for awhile.

Durfee brings great hope to the Husky defense as a highly disruptive player coming off the edge and someone long overdue for playing time after the NCAA prevented him from participating on game day last season with a rule that no longer exists.

DON'T FENCE ME IN

A hold-your-breath moment in Tuesday's practice came after sophomore receiver Denzel Boston, who is enjoying a sensation spring, caught a Will Rogers pass on the sideline on the East field and had his well-being put to a scary test.

With strains to Motley Crue's "Kickstart my Heart" playing loudly and appropriately, Boston drew a healthy shove from cornerback Thaddeus Dixon after the grab that sent the pass-catcher crashing through a movable but heavy metal fence, past fans scrambling to get out of the way, sliding across a concrete pathway on his cleats and ending up coming to rest against a stationary metal fence.

Boston, however, emerged without any noticeable damage and resumed making impossible catches.

Brothers Anthony and Isaiah Ward run through a spring drill.

Skylar Lin Visuals

SOUND EFFECTS

Arizona edge rusher transfer Isaiah Ward was seen barking like a dog during Tuesday's practice, yipping at nearby Husky teammate Milton Hopkins Jr., apparently having made the full transition to the canine customs of his new football team.

Ward next proceeded to knock Hopkins to the ground in a playful manner as this former Wildcat turned fierce Montlake hound.

IN THIS CORNER

If his offensive-line career doesn't pan out post UW, junior guard Gaard Memmelaar might consider a professional boxing career. On Tuesday, he was seen wearing gloves and sparring enthusiastically in an East field end zone with a team staffer, who also was laced up, moving his feet with little trouble and landing some serious blows.

It was all part of his rehab from a knee injury suffered last season that has him on a limited football involvement in spring ball.

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