Greg Walker Is Showing That Impact On the Defense

If you are Nick Holt, the number one priority in getting this Washington defense prepared is nailing down the secondary slots.

Thus far it has been a challenge, through spring and fall. There have only been two players that have put a hold on their positions; Nate Williams controls the strong safety spot and Quinton Richardson has one of the cornerback slots.

As for free safety and the other cornerback slot, it's anybodies game at this point.

That being said, over the past week, redshirt freshman Greg Walker has started to make and impact on that open free safety slot.

He has gotten praise from the coaches for his ability to hit and make plays. He's shown a pair of soft hands in catching interceptions to complement his hitting ability.

He also seems to communicate well with his fellow teammates on the defense, which is a very underrated skill sometimes.

There was a great interview with him on GoHuskies.com the other day that highlighted what I think is a fantastic attribute about him, he sounds very smart.

He knows his strengths and he knows his weaknesses, and most of all, he seems to know his place on the field in Holt's defense.

Taking some of the interviews with players over fall camp, it seems that often times the Willingham staff was not always clear on what players were supposed to do.

Chris Polk was scathing in his attack of the Willingham team, and how it had fractured right down the middle during the 0-12 season.

To have a player like Walker, who know's his job on the field, and communicates well with his fellow players, it shows serious potential for this rebuilding defense.

At the end of the day, there are a million and one reasons why this Sarkisian team is better than any Willingham team. Most of all, it comes down to team chemistry and intensity.

Looking purely at before a ball has even been hiked, Sarkisian's team has got it, Willingham's didn't.

Guys like Greg Walker help this aspect out immensely.

News and Notes

Some good news, Desmond Trufant got over his NCAA Clearinghouse issues and is with the team practicing. It should add even more competition to that cornerback battle.

Practice went short today with limited contact as Sarkisian has stressed that keeping the players fresh is the most important.