April 15, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Spencer Hawes (00) shoots over Detroit Pistons power forward Jonas Jerebko (33) during the first quarter at The Palace. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: B+

Statistics: 27.2 minutes, 11.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.4 blocks per game

Now in his sixth season in the league, Spencer Hawes is finally coming into his own. Many thought he left Washington prematurely after spending just one season as a Husky. Those opinions may have been granted, but Hawes is trying to change those minds, both by standing up for Seattle in Sonicsgate and by performing in the NBA.

Statistically, the only season that matches up with this past one is his sophomore campaign with the Kings, when he averaged similar numbers. Hawes didn’t start every games this season, but for the first time in his career, he played in every one. After starting 81 games in 2010-2011, he was plagued by injury last season and lost a consistent starting spot. He eventually regained that and started 40 of 82 games for the 76ers this season.

Despite only starting in about half the Sixers’ games, Hawes averaged the second-most minutes of his career, with 27.2 per game. The increased playing time led to more consistency and better numbers from Hawes. As his offense improved, so did his defense. In a league with few true centers, Hawes is able to use both his size and athleticism to average more than a block a game.

While he may seem like an experienced veteran by now, Hawes is still only 25, after entering the league when he was 19. Among centers 25 and under, Hawes was seventh in points per game this season. After a nonchalant start his career, it looks like the Seattleite is poised to do big things in his next six seasons.

Mar 28, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks point guard Justin Dentmon (7) passes the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at the American Airlines Center. The Pacers defeated the Mavericks 103-78. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: D

Statistics: 2.0 minutes, 0-2 shooting, 0.0 points, 0.0 assists,  0.0 rebounds

I can’t bring myself to give a guy who didn’t have a lot of NBA interest coming out of college an “F” for a season where he saw NBA action. An incomplete might be more accurate. Dentmon attempted two shots this season, missing both. One came in a 101-81 loss to the Lakers on April 2 and the other came in a 103-78 loss to the Pacers on March 28. He got on the court in four games for the Mavericks, averaging two minutes per game.

The 2012-2013 season came as a bit of a disappointment after Dentmon saw considerably more action for two different teams in 2011-2012. He played in two games for the Spurs and four (averaging 18 minutes per game) for the Raptors. Unfortunately, as a fringe NBA player, contracts can be hard to come by. The league knows what Dentmon can do — he averaged a respectable 5.5 points and 2.3 assists in four games for the Raptors in ’11-12 — what it comes down to is if there will be a team in need of a backup point guard next season.

After four years of starting for the Huskies, he hasn’t been able to find his niche in the NBA as some other fringe Huskies have. Hopefully the 27-year-old can latch on somewhere next season and play in more than a couple games. He deserves more than two shots a season, he just has to prove himself.

Nov 4, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies forward Martin Breunig (10) goes up for a layup during the game against the Seattle Pacific Falcons at Alaska Airlines Arena. Washington defeated Seattle Pacific 77-60. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The University of Montana announced on Tuesday that Martin Breunig will be transferring to join the Grizzlies next season. Lorenzo Romar announced at a press conference nearly two months ago that Breunig would be leaving the program, but had not decided where he will go. It seems now that he has found his fit.

Grizzlies’ head coach Wayne Tinkle said this in press release on GoGrizz.com:

“We are very excited about signing Martin Breunig at the University of Montana. He’s a strong, athletic post player, and he really adds good size and strength to our front line. We are thrilled to land a player of his caliber, and we’re looking forward to his arrival here.”

When the Huskies signed Breunig, he was a bit of an unknown. Many saw big potential in the three-star recruit, but that never came to fruition in his time at UW. He hailed from the same town at Detlef Schrempf, giving fans hope that there could be another Husky great on their hands, but the German forward only saw time in nine games last season. In his limited time, he totaled one point, one assist, one steal and seven rebounds.

Unfortunately, things didn’t work out for Breunig at Washington, but after sitting out a year due to NCAA rules, he’ll have a fresh start at a smaller program, where he will have a bigger role. Tinkle seems excited about adding an athletic 6’8″ forward to his squad and he should be. Just because he didn’t perform at UW doesn’t mean Breunig is devoid of talent. He’ll have two years of eligibility left with the Grizzlies and should work his way into the starting lineup.

Many expected Romar to use Breunig’s scholarship spot on a big-time recruit or transfer, such as Aaron Gordon, Mike Moser or Zach LaVine; however, it doesn’t look like that will be the case. One “big name” transfer option remains in Anrio Adams, but Romar reportedly doesn’t have much interest in the former Rainier Beach star.

May 15, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Nate Robinson (2) dribbles during the first half against the Miami Heat in game five of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

After rumors floating about for months and one already being cancelled two years ago, the Washington athletic department confirmed that its first basketball alumni game will take place on June 23. Not only will there be an alumni game with current pro players, there will also be a legends game between older alumni. Because UW is going all out for this “one-of-a-kind event,” there will even be a 3-point contest and slam dunk contest.

An impressive list of Huskies will be back in Alaska Airlines Arena one more time. Already confirmed to be in attendance are: Nate Robinson, Terrence Ross, Jon Brockman, Quincy Pondexter, Brandon Roy, Isaiah Thomas, Tony Wroten, Spencer Hawes and Justin Holiday.

There are expected to be two NBA Slam Dunk Contest champions participating in the Huskies’ version in Ross and Robinson. The two boast three trophies between them. Ross won the Slam Dunk Contest as a rookie this season.

The legends’ game will kick off the day at 1 p.m., followed by the alumni game and then the slam dunk and 3-point contests.

The event will be put on by 3 Point Productions, a group that works with the athletic department at Husky sporting events. Tickets are on sale for $15 right now and you can buy yours here.

Feb 2, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Lorenzo Romar speaks with Washington Huskies guard C.J. Wilcox (23) during free throws by the UCLA Bruins during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Washington defeated UCLA, 71-69. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

In case you haven’t heard, Lorenzo Romar made two additions to his staff this month. Most recently, he brought Raphael Chillious back after a season at Villanova. The other name isn’t so familiar. T.J. Otzelberger comes to Washington after spending the last seven seasons at Iowa State. He spent his first four seasons at Iowa State as an assistant coach under Greg McDermott before Fred Hoiberg took over. Under Hoiberg, Otzelberger acted as associate head coach.

At Iowa State, Otzelberger was mostly known for his recruiting prowess. Throughout his tenure there, he helped bring in NBA draft picks Craig Brackins, Mike Taylor and Justin Hamilton among others. While that was his main role, Otzelberger eventually grew into a bigger role in game planning as well. As his role became bigger, the Cyclones record got better. In Otzelberger’s three years as associate head coach, the Cyclones made the NCAA twice (the two years the Huskies did not).

The move to Washington is a natural progression in Otzelberger’s career that he hopes to one day lead to a head coaching job. With his track record, it shouldn’t be hard for Romar to expand his coaching tree. For now, though, he is in Seattle to help the Huskies get back to the expectations that were established nearly a decade ago.

While the roles are still being established within the coaching staff, it is expected that Otzelberger will rank high as an assistant under Romar. He brings two key qualities: recruiting and X’s and O’s.

As a high-up assistant, Otzelberger should make a big impact in both areas, being an ace recruiter as well as helping a sometimes-stagnant offense.

It is no secret that the Huskies have lost out on some big time recruits over the last few years, many being post players, leading to a rather depleted frontcourt recently. This is where Otzelberger can make the biggest impact.

The additions of Chillious and Otzelberger compare nicely to Steve Sarkisian’s additions of Justin Wilcox and Tosh Lupoi. Both coaches know what they’re doing on the field, but really can make an impact off the field too, with recruiting.

Lupoi practically singlehandedly switched Shaq Thompson to Washington; maybe Otzelberger or Chillious can do the same in the future. Maybe Romar isn’t enough anymore. For a team to be truly elite, it has to have elite talent and/or coaching. With a staff that includes Romar, Otzelberger, Chillious, Jim Shaw, Paul Fortier and Brad Jackson, we know the coaching is there. With the additions of two top recruiters, the talent should be there in no time.

After two down seasons, things are looking up for the Dawgs. This is arguably the best coaching staff Romar has had in his twelve seasons at Washington. The roster is oozing with potential, as well as future rosters with the new possible recruits Otzelberger could help attract. He should help revitalize Husky basketball.

So to get an idea of how Sankey amassed 1439 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in his first year as a starter, I’ll look at the most important elements of running the ball and how they factor into Sankey’s personal style and approach. As you read, it might help to watch this video of highlight’s from the 2012 season:

Speed

Sankey’s speed is actually sort of tough to evaluate. He’s clearly fast. There were multiple occasions when he would catch a screen with a defender pursuing downhill with a good angle, only to have Sankey manage to skirt by him. He also has the ability to really turn it on and accelerate once he’s gotten through a hole and sees daylight. The big touchdown run to end the first half against Stanford is a good example of this.

That being said, I don’t think Sankey’s speed is elite, or exceptional for the position. I would think somewhere around 4.5 speed, if he were to run the forty combine-style. Not something that holds him back by any means, especially with his above average acceleration and, for lack of a better term, “situational speed” like I talked about above, but his style isn’t defined by his ability to burn defenders.

Strength

At 5’10″ and 200 pounds, Bishop is almost a little small for a feature back, someone who will carry the ball 20-25 times a game. He has a solid build, but he isn’t a bruiser in the Marshawn Lynch, Robert Turbin, or Christine Michael mold (to point to the trio of frighteningly muscular Seahawks backs). He doesn’t just lower his shoulder and blow defenders up. But that doesn’t mean he struggles to get yards after contact. He breaks tackles by virtue of his great balance and footwork, and instead of bowling linebackers or safeties over, he bounces off of them or keeps his legs churning through arm tackles.

That takes strength, certainly, but there are bigger stronger backs in the conference. He is average, or even a bit above average, but like his speed, strength isn’t something he leans on. It doesn’t define him.

Nov 10, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Bishop Sankey (25) carries the ball and scores a touchdown against the Utah Utes during the 2nd half at CenturyLink Field. Washington defeated Utah 34-15. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Vision

To me, this IS what defines Sankey’s running style. Watching tape from last year, what really stood out is the way Sankey managed to quickly identify the hole, however small, and commit to it. No dancing in the backfield, no unnecessary changes in direction. He goes where the development of the play demands that he goes, and any cutting has a specific purpose. He hesitates or jukes only to make specific defenders miss, or to redirect towards an emerging running lane.

I hesitate to call Sankey a “downhill” runner, because it’s a bit more nuanced than that. He does a great job of limiting unnecessary east/west movement, but he is great at running at an angle to follow the grain of his blockers while still maintaining his forward drive and momentum. It results in even his lesser runs often going for three or four yards, and plays without obvious rifts in the defense going for six or seven.

Where a simple one-cut, downhill powerback might try to force the action, hitting a hole that is closing too fast in the hopes that the power behind his lowered shoulder will grind out some yards, Sankey is wonderful at avoiding running into unnecessary dead-ends. If a running lane is there, he’ll take it, but he rarely over-commits.

Balance

Another key to Sankey’s style. Despite what I see as roughly average strength and size, for defenders in pursuit, arm tackles just won’t due. Weakly try to grab at his jersey without squaring up and wrapping, and he will dismiss you with a stiff arm or run through the attempt with legs that never fail to churn. Launch like a missile, or simply try to shove him, and you’re likely to give him a boost five or ten yards forward without knocking him over (it happened two or three times, and it was almost comical).

This well above-average balance also allows Sankey to squeeze through holes that seem too small, and to emerge from a crush of linemen that seem likely to swallow him up.

Elusiveness

Sankey has such outstanding vision, and stays so focused on getting upfield, that his elusiveness isn’t on display in obvious ways during most plays. It is more subtle. The way he shifts the weight to his left or right side, while leaning that direction, to avoid a diving tackler without breaking his stride, or his ability to zoom up the sideline when it appears certain a defender will force him out of bounds.

He’s capable of some nifty planting to change direction, and can juke and spin defenders off balance better than most, but I believe that a true definition of Sankey’s elusiveness is…well, elusive.

Summary

These seem to me to be the most important elements of a back’s running style, and Sankey is at least average in every single one, with his vision and balance popping out the most. However, running isn’t all that a halfback has to do. Blocking and receiving are also key, and in both respects Sankey is very solid, and his relative lack of weakness, the well-rounded nature of his game, seems to bode well for an NFL future, and of course a great deal more success as a Husky in 2013.

Did I miss a category? Do you disagree, or have more to add? Comment below, or tweet @HuskyHaul. Thanks for reading!

Dec 29, 2012; Hartford, CT, USA; Washington Huskies guard C.J. Wilcox (23) shoots the ball against the Connecticut Huskies during the first half at XL Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

After ailing from a stress fracture in his foot through the last half of the 2012-2013 season, Washington Huskies’ guard C.J. Wilcox had surgery on his left foot Friday morning. In order to repair the stress fracture, Wilcox had his fifth metatarsal stabilized in the procedure. Washington called the surgery a success and said Wilcox is on track to return for the 2013-2014 season at 100 percent.

Although Wilcox refuses to blame his late season struggles on the stress fracture, his production clearly declined after the loss at UCLA after which he revealed the injury. He scored 15 points in the game, but in the two that followed, scored just 17 points combined. Before those, he had only failed to record double figures once, against UConn.

He was still able to score — putting up 20-plus points three times — but it normally required more shots. In the 23 games before the injury, Wilcox shot below 30 percent just three times, compared with five times in 11 games after it.

The decline in shooting — Wilcox’s best skill — resulted in him plummeting on draft boards. There is a very good chance that if he had stayed healthy, he would not be returning next season. Many pegged him as a mid-to-late first round pick for much of the season, but by the end of the season, he had fallen out of the top-60 on some lists.

Despite the lack of production in the stretch run, Wilcox still averaged 16.8 points per game, good for sixth in the conference. At one point he was at the top of that list, just as he is expected to be next season.

With Nigel Williams-Goss to dish him the ball, there should not be much drop off from the point guard position next season, allowing Wilcox to get as many, if not more, open shots.

A healthy Wilcox is good news for everybody but the Huskies’ opponents.

Jan 16, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Andrew Andrews (12) dribbles towards the basket during the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Alaska Airlines Arena. Washington defeated Colorado 64-54. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Just days after former Iowa State assistant coach T.J. Otzelberger was added to Lorenzo Romar’s staff, a familiar name was also added. Raphael Chillious, who left for a season at Villanova, has rejoined Romar and the Huskies as an assistant.

After the 2011-2012 season, Chillious decided to return home to the Northeastern United States and join Jay Wright at Villanova. He was an “vital member” of a Villanova team that made the NCAA Tournament as a nine-seed. The Wildcats went 20-14 overall and 10-8 in the Big East.

“It was a different perspective playing, coaching and recruiting in the Big East. It’s very different from the Pac-12,” Chillous told GoHuskies.com. “That has given me more tools in my coaching tool box.”

As if his coaching tool box wasn’t full enough already, Chillious has apparently expanded it. Even before taking the Villanova job, he was considered a prime head coaching candidate. He was reportedly a finalist for the Loyola (Md.) coaching job earlier this offseason as well.

There’s good reason behind the interest in Chillious. He has been a part of three NCAA Tournament coaching staffs and has recruiting connections around the globe. Now he’ll be able to coach one of the guards he was integral in recruiting: Nigel Williams-Goss.

Chillious is somewhat of a guard god. He coached some of the best backcourts in UW history. Among the players under his instruction were Isaiah Thomas, Abdul Gaddy, C.J. Wilcox and Terrence Ross.

Now, he gets to work with one of the best and deepest backcourts the Huskies have had in recent memory, certainly since Chillious has been on board. Not only is there experience in Wilcox, but potential in Andrew Andrews, Darin Johnson and Williams-Goss to name a few.

He may be known as a star recruiter, but this is where Chillious will shine. Sure, he should help Romar land some recruits that they  missed out on this year or before 2010, but his impact on the guards’ development will be key.

The core of the backcourt includes all underclassmen outside of Wilcox. Guards like Williams-Goss will see what Chillious can do and want to come here, while others will come to UW and display the impact Chillious has.

We all saw how Thomas took the Pac-12 by storm. A scrappy, three-star recruit turned into (should have been) Pac-12 Player of the Year and NBA starter. Sounds like something from Andrew Andrews’ horoscope. Maybe Jahmel Taylor opened that fortune cookie. Or Darin Johnson?

The only guard that has come to UW and truly failed to live up to expectations was Abdul Gaddy. The year Chillious arrived, Gaddy improved tenfold before tearing his ACL. Afterward, he showed far less drastic improvements in the year he had left under Chillious.

With Chillious, UW will not only be able to get recruits like Gaddy and Williams-Goss, but develop them, too. If this doesn’t show his impact, just look at the season without Chillious went.

Oct 13, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; USC Trojans guard John Martinez (59) blocks Washington Huskies defensive tackle Danny Shelton (71) during the game at CenturyLink Field. Southern California defeated Washington 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier today, the watch list for the 2013 Lott IMPACT Award was announced. The list of 42 players around the nation included 11 from the Pac-12. Representing Washington are linebacker John Timu and defensive lineman Danny Shelton.

The award is named after former USC Trojan and San Francisco 49er, Ronnie Lott. It is more than just a defensive award, it is also an award based on character. IMPACT stands for: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

It is always nice to see two Huskies on an award watch list, but this seems even better, seeing as character and academics are taken into account. We all know Timu and Shelton are monsters on the field, but to be recognized for their character off of it many times means even more to the athletes.

After not having a player on the watch list last season, the Huskies have two this one. UCLA joins Washington as the only Pac-12 schools with multiple nominees.

The full list of Pac-12 players on the watch list is: Henry Anderson (Stanford), Anthony Barr (UCLA), Scott Crichton (Oregon State), Alden Darby (Arizona State), Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (Oregon), Jake Fischer (Arizona), Eric Kendricks (UCLA), Devon Kennard (USC) and Ed Reynolds (Stanford).

This year the Pac-12 makes up more than a quarter of the nominees and will try to win the award for just the second time. The only Pac-10/12 player to ever win the award was California’s Dante Hughes in 2006. Last season, Manti Te’o took home the award.

May 4, 2013; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) participates in drills at Falcons Rookie Camp. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

After a long few weeks of pre-draft, draft and post-draft coverage, the storm is clearing and we have a good idea of where our first-year Dawgs are going to end up. Obviously, Desmond Trufant is the big name of the group and was selected No. 22 overall by the Atlanta Falcons. Unlike the others, he should have no problems making the roster. His biggest battle will be that of a starting role. No other Huskies were drafted, but two were signed as undrafted free agents. After tryouts with their respective teams, fullback Jonathan Amosa and safety Justin Glenn both sign NFL contracts; Amosa’s with the Green Bay Packers and Glenn’s with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now, simply signing the contract doesn’t in the slightest mean you have a roster spot. There are already UDFAs getting cut around the league. What it means for Amosa and Glenn is that they are getting their shot in the NFL.

Both are going to need to hone their special teams skills in order to stick in the league (at least at first), as the Packers are set at fullback with John Kuhn and the Chiefs at safety with Eric Berry among others. Glenn is already a step ahead of many other rookies in that category. Even as a college star, Glenn still played on special teams and excelled at it; he was named the Special Teams MVP at the end-of-season banquet.

Amosa joined the Huskies as a walk on. Not as a fullback, but as a linebacker. The Rainier Beach product spent each of his first three years on campus either on the bench or practice squad as a linebacker before switching sides of the ball and becoming a fullback. In his two years of starting, he caught three passes while blocking for Chris Polk and Bishop Sankey.

While Amosa was lead blocking, the Huskies had two of the most prolific rushing seasons in school history. Polk rushed for 1,488 yards in 2011 (second), while Sankey was good for third, with 1,465 rushing yards in 2012. With the lack of running success the Packers have had recently, it couldn’t hurt to add an extra body. Amosa’s tackling ability as a former linebacker and blocking ability as a fullback should translate well into the Green Bay special teams scheme as well.

Lots of things can change from here until the season starts, but if I had to guess if we’d be seeing these two guys in NFL uniforms in September, my guess would be “yes.” Glenn has the better odds, as he brings more depth and experience to the table on a worse team, but Amosa will have every chance Glenn does to make a roster.

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Raphael Chillious is leaving Villanova to rejoin Lorenzo Romar’s staff at Washington, per multiple sources….

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 15, 2013

Chillious first joined Romar’s staff in April of 2009, and in the span of time before his departure in August 2012, Husky basketball was very successful. GoHuskies.com specifically credits him with the tutoring of UW’s guards, and also mentions his assistance as important to the Pac-10 Tournament Championships in 2010 and 2011, as well as the recruiting classes in 2010 and 2011 that included Terrence Ross, Aziz N’Diaye, Desmond Simmons, Tony Wroten Jr, Shawn Kemp Jr, and Andrew Andrews, among others.

When combined with the recent hiring of assistant T.J. Otzelberger, formerly of Iowa State University, it is clear that Romar is looking to strengthen his bench, not only for player development and on-court instruction, but for recruiting, reportedly one of Otzelberger’s greatest strengths.

It’s impossible to be certain how much credit Chillious deserves for the successful run enjoyed by the program during his time as assistant coach, but I do know that he is held in high regard by many in the college basketball world, and that he has long been discussed as a future head coaching candidate. When you consider that the god-awful 2013 year occurred after Chillious departed, it seems as though his presence could go a long way towards righting the ship, developing some of the talented incoming guards, like Nigel Williams-Goss and Darin Johnson, and of course towards building up a solid 2014 class of recruits.

Rothstein is a respected voice, but he has so far been the only person I’ve seen report this move, so until it is announced officially by the university, it is not for sure. That being said, there has been pretty consistent rumblings that the Otzelberger hire wasn’t the last coaching move Romar planned to make, so this makes a lot of sense.

As soon as more info is available, I will update this post.

Coach Steve Sarkisian sent out a “Woof!” via twitter about an hour ago, leading to a mad dash to figure out who the commitment could be, but it wasn’t until Blakley tweeted out the news that the story truly broke. To put it simply: this is a big one. While rankings are far from cemented so early in the recruiting cycle, the Class of 2014 tight end is considered a four-star prospect by Rivals, and they also have him pegged as the #8 tight end in the nation. Scout has him listed as a three-star prospect, and ESPN hasn’t given him a ranking yet, but even if a consensus hasn’t formed around his exact ranking, Blakley is undoubtedly a top-10 tight end in his class.

Just committed to the University of Washington!! #UDUB #dawgs #WOOF

— Chase Blakley (@chase_blake208) May 14, 2013

There is also a bit of disagreement around his physical dimensions, but the Rivals listing at 6’5″ and 227 pounds appears to be fairly accurate next to the numbers listed by the other recruiting services. Over the course of his upcoming senior season and the next off season, it would be nice to see him add on 10-20 pounds, but he has plenty of time, and even as he stands Blakley appears to be a speedy (4.7 forty) and talented pass-catcher who could go a long way towards replacing junior tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who may declare for the draft after this season.

Of course, Washington will have to hold on to Blakley for the next several months until the February National Signing Day, which is no easy feat in the cutthroat world of college football recruiting. But if Blakley sticks to this decision even when more offers roll in during his senior season and beyond into early 2014, he will certainly be one of the gems of Coach Sark’s class.

Amosa served primarily as a lead blocker in his time at Washington, rarely catching the ball or receiving carries. He was very solid in this respect, and while it’s always tough to determine how much credit a fullback deserves for the success of his halfback, the fact that Amosa blocked for two different 1,000 rushers, Chris Polk and more recently Bishop Sankey, shouldn’t be ignored.

Sept 3, 2011, Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies fullback Jonathan Amosa (48) makes a reception against the Eastern Washington Eagles during the second half at Husky Stadium. Washington defeated Eastern, 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Along with Glenn, Amosa went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft in April, and it wasn’t really a certainty that he would get an NFL shot. With fullbacks a bit of a (slowly) dying breed in the league, while also being a position that is tough to evaluate when watching games unless there is a dramatic pancake block, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see Amosa’s football career end with the Vegas Bowl loss to Boise State.

Apparently Amosa wasn’t having that. He earned a contract, which clearly indicates that the Packers coaching staff sees pro-level potential in his game. Still, with fan favorite John Kuhn and fellow undrafted free agent Ryan Roberson also on the roster at fullback, it will be a tough fight for Amosa to remain on the roster all the way until September.

If he manages to keep his spot, it will likely be as a 2nd fullback, which would mean serving on the practice squad. Still, for a guy that didn’t get a lot of acclaim as a Husky, collecting a paycheck as a professional player is a victory (and should probably be a victory in anyone’s book), and I hope that this is only the beginning of Amosa’s NFL career. More on both Glenn and Amosa as more news becomes available.

Glenn had a solid career for the Huskies, including a senior season in which he amassed 68 total tackles and 3 interceptions. Despite this, the 5’10″ 220-pound defensive back went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft back in April, and it was unclear whether or not he would be able to earn an NFL contract.

November 02, 2012; Berkeley, CA, USA; Washington Huskies safety Justin Glenn (20) carries the ball after the fumble recovery against the California Golden Bears during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Now that he has his shot, it is still far from a given that Glenn will stick to the Kansas City roster all the way until opening day, as the Chiefs had previously signed 13 other undrafted free agents, who will compete with the rookie draft picks and those veterans already on the roster for a limited number of spots.

Glenn is a local product, having played high school football at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Washington. He was recruited as a cornerback, and was considered a three-star talent by both Scout and Rivals when he committed as part of the Class of 2008.

Even if it will be difficult to survive the various waves of roster cuts over the next several months of the off season, this is obviously an important first step in that journey, and Andy Reid and his staff must have been impressed in rookie camp in order to offer Glenn the opportunity in the first place.

We will keep you updated on his journey through Kansas City’s OTAs, and if Glenn manages to make it all the way through to the beginning of the 2013 season, he will join a growing list of Washington grads playing in the NFL.