NFL Combine Schedule

Saturday, Feb. 27
Group 1 (OL, SPECIALISTS)
Group 2 (OL)
Group 3 (TE)
Sunday, Feb. 28
Group 4 (QB, WR)
Group 5 (QB, WR)
Group 6 (RB)
Monday, March 1
Group 7 (DL)
Group 8 (DL)
Group 9 (LB)
Tuesday, March 2
Group 10 (DB)
Group 11 (DB)

Spring football

Ted Miller from ESPN recently broke down the key story lines for each of the Pac-10 teams spring game this year. Here's what he had for our Huskies:

Washington
Spring practice starts: March 30
Spring game: April 30

What to watch:

Unleashing Locker: The return of quarterback Jake Locker was the best news any Pac-10 team received this offseason. Locker's passing improved dramatically in just one year under coach Steve Sarkisian, so it's not unreasonable to expect him to be even better in 2010, particularly with nine starters back on offense and just about every skill player on the depth chart.

Replacing Te'o-Nesheim: Daniel Te'o-Nesheim was a four-year starter who blossomed into an All-Pac-10 performer despite almost no supporting cast. He led the Huskies with 11 sacks in 2009, which was 8.5 more than any other player. Also, opposite end Darrion Jones is gone, and the cast at the position is extremely young. Who's the next pass-rushing threat?

The Butler did it: Linebacker Donald Butler blossomed last year, earning second-team All-Pac-10 honors and leading the Huskies in tackles and tackles for loss (15.5). Toss in E.J. Savannah's failure to earn a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, and the Huskies have some questions at linebacker. Mason Foster is a sure thing at one outside position, and Cort Dennison likely will fill a second gap, but there's an opportunity for a young player to fill void No. 3.

Final list of 2010 recruiting class

Now it all makes sense

I try not to dwell on the past too often, but as I was thinking about the unfortunate circumstances surrounding EJ Savannah, I began to think about the Tyrone Willingham years.

I have constantly struggled to understand how somebody could be so terribly inept at their profession. I then came across this:



Now it makes a lot more sense.

EJ Savannah doesn't recieve extra year of eligibility

As has been reported, EJ Savannah has just received word that he has not qualified for an extra year of eligibility due to medical hardship. They were hoping for some leniency from the NCAA, especially with the unusual circumstances regarding his suspension from the team by Tyrone Willingham, in which he was suspended for academics while being academically eligible to play.

Another unfortunate casualty of the Tyrone Willingham era.

We feel for you EJ, good luck in your preparation, we hope to see you playing on sundays.

Follow all the signing day coverage live

The University of Washington official athletic website is doing live minute by minute coverage of signing day. As each commitment is faxed in and verified, it will then be immediately posted here:

http://www.gohuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/10-signing-day.html

Along with each commitment, there will be a short bio and a video of the signee posted as well.

Hope you enjoy today!

Happy National Letter of Intent Day!

With a class that is ranked 8th in the nation currently, UW stands to have one of its best, if not the best recruiting class ever. We've been trying to highlight some of the big name recruits leading up to signing day, and will continue to do so up until spring ball.

We're proud of the direction that the Huskies are heading, and expect a lot of high profile recruiting classes in the future. We'll post the updated list tomorrow evening, and give our insights on the class, unexpected signings/losses, and give an overall grade.

Once again, we're glad to have you following us here at Go Purple, Be Gold. If you have any feedback, positive or negative, please let us know by writing us at gopurplebegold@gmail.com.

Nick Montana

Nick Montana, son of Hall-of-Fame QB Joe Montana, is the commitment we're going to spotlight this morning. Besides his obvious bloodlines, young Montana has a lot that he can offer Husky nation in the near future.

One thing that sticks out when watching him is his pocket presence. He quickly recognizes pressure and either steps up in the pocket, or is able to move laterally to avoid pressure and give himself more time to find an open receiver. His footwork is better than expected from most HS QB's, but still has the tendency to throw off of his back foot when there is pressure in his face. He is very accurate on his short to mid-range throws, but lacks the elite arm-strength needed to make deep throws. He is also fast enough to make plays with his feet, but has a great feel for throwing on the run which makes him very dangerous.

It was speculated that he would compete for the starting position when it was thought Jake Locker was heading to the NFL, but he will now most likely redshirt this upcoming season. That year will tell us alot about him, and if he is the ultimate answer for the Dawgs at QB. It will give him the time to mature physically, learn to read and react to the speed of the game at the college level, and to set himself apart as a leader. If he fails to do any one of these three things, he'll struggle to win the QB competition next year after Locker leaves. It'll definitely make for an interesting spring and summer ball next year.

Here's a highlight video of him at Oaks Christian:

Alejandro Maldonado breaks commit

Alejandro Maldonado has decommitted from UW, and has verbally committed to the University of Oregon. Husky fans wish you the best in your future endeavors. Honestly, we don't hold any ill will towards you.