The off-season started with some bad news in Seattle. Sophomore Terrance Dailey led UW with 338 rushing yards last season, but after shoulder surgery in January he is no longer with the program.

The best news for Washington’s running game is that QB Jake Locker returns. Locker could conceivably lead the team in rushing yards this season, and if he can stay healthy, his presence should keep the ground game from a repeat of 2008’s miserable performance.

Washington’s feature back could be redshirt freshman Chris Polk. Polk was the starting running back for the first two games of 2008 before injuries forced him to miss the remainder of the season. Although Polk played as a true freshman, his injuries allowed him to qualify for a medical redshirt.

Chris Polk with the stiff arm

Polk’s limited play last season was less than stellar. He carried the ball 20 times for 33 yards (1.7 yards per carry) and was never able to show UW coaches the promising ability that he displayed in spring ball of 2008.

At 5-11 204 pounds, Polk is a versatile athlete capable of running with power inside the tackles, or bouncing outside with speed and quickness. He is also a great receiver, and the coaching staff at Washington may use him in the slot this season. Sarkisian could utilize Polk the way Reggie Bush was used at USC. The Redlands (Ca) native was rated the #4 ranked all-purpose back in the nation while at East Valley High School. Rivals.com and Scout.com gave him a 4 star rating and he averaged a spectacular 10.9 yards per carry during his senior year.

Polk showcased his running skills in Washington’s spring game earlier this year. He ran for 95 yards and one TD on 12 carries. In a crowded group of Husky runners, Polk has all the talent to emerge as top Dawg.

The leading UW rusher that returns this fall is sophomore Willie Griffin. Griffin played in eight games last season, carrying the ball 63 times for 219 yards (3.5 YPC) and one touchdown. The 5-8, 187-pound tailback out of Oakland (Ca) is not as dynamic as Polk, but he is a stable presence that can move the chains with solid inside running.

Other than Jake Locker, Griffin is the only Husky that has rushed for 100 yards in a game. He did it in the Apple Cup against Washington State, rushing for 112 yards and one TD on 26 carries. Griffin enjoyed an excellent spring, and should see a lot of playing time this fall.

Willie Griffin fighting for extra yards

Junior Brandon Johnson* played in 9 of 12 games during 2008. The 5-9 207-pound back has 390 career rushing yards and five touchdowns. Last season, he carried the ball 76 times for 194 yards and three touchdowns. The Hawthorne (Ca) native does not possess breakaway speed or bruising power, but he is an experienced ball carrier who can also return kicks. He will need to improve on his 2.6 yard per carry average from 2008 if he wants to get consistent touches this year. (*Will not play in 2009; Editor’s Note below)

UW coaches are very excited about freshman Demetrius Bronson. Bronson was originally part of the 2008 recruiting class, but he did not qualify academically. The 5-10 215 pound runner out of Kentwood High School (WA) had an excellent spring, and will look to carry the momentum into fall practice. Bronson is a powerful runner that has the potential to move the chains consistently.

Sophomore David Freeman* is also in the mix at running back this season. The 5-7 191 pound back out of Inglewood (Ca) started two games in 2008 (Oklahoma, Stanford). He finished last season with 152 yards on 27 carries. Freeman has fought through multiple injuries over the last year, but he will be available this fall. He runs with great quickness, and has good straight-line speed. If Freeman can stay healthy for all of 2009, he may develop into a quality tailback. (*Will not play in 2009; Editor’s Note below)

Washington running backs will be greatly aided by one of the Pac-10’s best fullbacks. Senior Paul Homer played in all 12 games last season, and is an excellent lead-blocker. He is an underrated athlete as well, possessing deceptive speed and agility. Homer will be a nice ball-carrying option in short yardage and goal line situations. Coach Sarkisian developed a reputation at USC for using fullbacks in the passing game, and Homer is an ideal fullback for Sark’s pro-style offense.

Other tailbacks competing for playing time include: sophomores Brandon Yakaboski and Curtis Shaw.

My Take

I think Polk has the potential to be a very good tailback, but he has to stay healthy. The best-case scenario is that Polk develops into a workhorse and a number two runner emerges. If that doesn’t happen, it could be another year where 10+ guys end up getting a carry.

I am interested to see how the return of Jake Locker affects this young core of running backs. Former Husky Louis Rankin made it work just fine, rushing for over 1,000 yards while sharing the ball with Locker. If Polk can do the same, 2009 could be a solid year for the U-Dub rushing attack.

With a new offensive system and a deep group of backs, I do not foresee the Huskies ranking 106th in rushing this season.

* 6/7/2009 Editor’s Note: David Freeman and Brandon Johnson will not play due to academic ineligibility; Story here.