Spring football about to kick off

[img1]The past two years are history.

A 3-19 record over that span doesn't matter anymore, because, as coach Tyrone Willingham put it, "Everyone is 0-0, and we have just as much of an opportunity to be a top team."

That same sentiment was echoed by some of the returning players expected to make an impact this season.

"The atmosphere is totally different from last year," quarterback Isaiah Stanback said.

"Everybody is taking on a leadership role, trying to make this team better" added wide receiver Sonny Shackelford.

That has yet to be seen, as this coming Thursday will mark the first day of a month of spring practice, culminating in the annual Purple vs. Gold game on April 22.

Undoubtedly, Willingham -- now in his second year -- has some questions to answer as fans and boosters are becoming increasingly anxious for a winning team.

Stanback, one of the expected leaders for next fall's squad, tried to give hope to fans that have had little lately.

"I feel there are no excuses for us not to be a bowl team," he said of their chances next year. "I started getting that confidence at the end of last year."

Yet according to Willingham, even Stanback's job isn't safe coming into spring practice. As was the case last spring, the UW coach assured everyone that all 22 starting spots are open to competition.

Some of those positions are less open than others, it would seem, with six starters returning on offense and nine on defense.

Also on campus for the first time will be some of the junior-college transfers who signed with the February recruiting class. That list includes four players looking to make a good first impression: long snapper Danny Morovick, linebacker Anthony Atkins, safety Jason Wells and defensive back Jordan Murchison.

Those players will hope to learn quickly, as everyone else has had to do. For the guys who have played through the numerous coaching changes, having a second year under the same system is a welcome prospect.

"We had to work through a system and learn it," said Stanback, "so we're excited to have a second year in a row under that system."

The coming weeks should shed some light on how the rosters will shape up come fall, making for some exciting competition.

Reach Daily reporter Justin Chartrey at [url='mailto:justinchartrey@thedaily.washington.edu']justinchartrey@thedaily.washington.edu.[/url]