Washington football coach Steve Sarkisian talked about Saturday's Spring Game, defense and recruiting in a live chat Wednesday with readers. Here are the highlights.

Q: What will it take to improve the defense this year?

Sarkisian: There are numerous things to help improve our defense this year. First and foremost is playing with an attitude and a passion. Second, is trusting the scheme and technique. And third, playing together and smart. I think coach (Justin) Wilcox and all of our defensive coaches have addressed these needs and so far we have seen improvements in all of these areas.

Q: Coach, what is the biggest difference you see in Keith Price, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Kasen Williams this year?

Sarkisian: Great question. I see a real attention to detail with all three of those guys. They are focusing on the nuances of the offense and their position and they are working on it diligently. They are consistently the last three guys off the field every day at practice.

Q: What is a trait about your defensive coaching staff that you weren't aware of or have been pleasantly surprised by?

Sarkisian: I knew early on that our defensive coaches were very good communicators as well as excellent teachers. But the trait that I have learned about here the last couple of weeks that I have been pleasantly surprised about is their ability to motivate our players. They have our defensive team playing with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

Q: Have you decided on the format of the spring game yet?

Sarkisian: The format will be offense vs. defense. The offensive scoring in traditional fashion. The defensive scoring is three points for any stop, five points for a turnover, seven points for a touchdown.

It should be a competitive afternoon at CenturyLink Field.

Q: Besides Shaq Thompson, who among the incoming freshmen appears to be the most promising player who will be able to contribute this year?

Sarkisian: One guy that really stands out to me is Pio Vatuvei. Physically and mentally I believe he is mature enough to step in and contribute as a true freshman.

Q: Will the siren be making it to the CenturyLink Field this year?

Sarkisian: Yes, it will be at the Clink this year, and word on the street is the Hawks are going to use it, too.

Q: Coach, if you suited up right now and played QB for the Huskies, how would you do?

Sarkisian: Our marketing department better start a Heisman campaign.

Q: Do you feel Sean Parker is ready to make that next step to being that elite safety in the conference?

Sarkisian: I really do. Sean has really stepped up as a team leader, deservedly so. His play this spring warrants All-Pac-12 honors.

Q: What is the next big step for this program?

Sarkisian: For our program to be competitive week in and week out, regardless of the opponent or where the game is played. We are very, very close, and I feel like this is the year we turn the corner.

Q: What's your boat's name?

Sarkisian: Noah Sark.

Q: Is Keith Price a legitimate Heisman contender this year?

Sarkisian: I think Keith is deserving of Heisman talk. Obviously that talk gets a lot louder when he performs big in big games.

Q: Is there a specific focus for your staff in terms of recruiting? Is there a certain position you want to load up on?

Sarkisian: With the change in schemes on defense, we are looking for a different body type to fit our front seven. The longer, more rangy athlete fits our scheme better today than it did in years past.