Huskies hoping Kohler makes it back healthy from a kneecap injury suffered on the first day of fall camp. If so, UW will have three of five returning starters from last year ready for the season opener — Schaefer and Tanigawa (who made a quick recovery from a knee injury last season) are the others. The big question is if Riva and Hatchie can hold up against tough competition.

Huskies counting on Williams and Johnson to take over for the graduated Jermaine Kearse and Devin Aguilar. Johnson, though, suffered a dislocated wrist midway through camp and it's unclear when he will return. Otherwise, this is a young position. Jaydon Mickens has been impressive early in camp. Seferian-Jenkins had a marvelous freshman season and looks primed to put up bigger numbers this season. Hartvigson and Evan Hudson are more-than-able backups. Expect UW to use a lot of multi-tight end sets.

In Price, UW has one of the best QBs in the Pac-12, if not the country, after he threw for a UW-record 33 touchdown passes last season. But none of the backups have taken a snap in a college game. Callier and Sankey will likely share the role of replacing the departed Chris Polk, with impressive frosh Erich Wilson II backing up. Amosa, a former walk-on, has held onto the starting fullback job.

Coons, a JC transfer, and Durkee, a true freshman, were signed to take over for Erik Folk and Kiel Rasp. Coons has shown a strong leg in training camp, as has Durkee.

Huskies hope for a lot of improvement from this group, which is more experienced than a year ago despite the loss of Alameda Ta'amu and Everrette Thompson. Shelton in the middle and Shirley on the edge are the keys.

The biggest question mark on the defense, if not the team, hardly improved during a fall camp in which injuries hit hard. Senior Nate Fellner will be starter at SLB spot once he returns, which might not be until two or three weeks into the season. Timu replaces Cort Dennison in the middle.

Parker, Glenn and Trufant have significant starting experience. Watson, a walk-on, has been a revelation throughout camp and could be the starter. Expect true frosh sensation Thompson to see a lot of action, as well.

Bob Condotta