Zajac's loss puts a hurt on...
However, Huskies' schedule will help
By: Richard Linde, 19 August 2002

With starting OG Elliott Zajac (left) going down, Washington’s running game, already a major concern for this upcoming season, is even more questionable. Because of Zajac's injury and the loss of OG Andre Reeves, the depth of the offensive line is now a consideration.

Depending upon the severity of his ankle injury, Zajac could be out from six to eight weeks.

Dan Dicks took Zajac’s guard position in Saturday's scrimmage and is a candidate to replace him when the Huskies battle Michigan at the Big House on August 31^st. Zajac also fills in as a long snapper.  

Zajac’s loss is compounded by the loss of OG Andre Reeves, who presumably will leave the program--unless coach Rick Neuheisel eats crow and champions Reeve’s return. Ironically, in a private meeting held last week, both Neuheisel and Reeves agreed it would be in Reeve’s best interest to leave the team.  

And then there's the running game.

The rushing statistics from last season and the stats from both the spring game and Saturday’s scrimmage don't bode well for the Huskies' running game in 2K2, considering Zajac's injury.

Washington finished next to last in the Pac-10 in rushing yards last season, averaging 111.7 yards per game.

During the spring game, the Purples netted 59 yards rushing, while the Whites netted –2 yards. 

Last Saturday, the running game netted a paltry 21 total yards on 45 carries—an average of .47 yards per carry. (See the table below).  

In 2001, Washington's defense was last against the run in the Pac-10, allowing 162.1 yards per game. It is doubtful that the rushing defense has improved by almost an order of magnitude since then (.47 yards yards-per-carry on Saturday versus the 4.2 yards-per-carry average in 2K1).

The graduation loss of RB Willie Hurst, a human whirligig, will make it even more difficult for the Huskies to improve on last season’s rushing statistics, since there is no one around that can put a move on a would-be tackler like Hurst could, other than Kenny James, who is just a true freshman.  

Under the eight-ball? Well...

James wears Hurst's old number--number eight--and Hurst did play for Washington as a true freshman. That may be a hopeful sign of some sort. :) 

One more downer, but then...

Literally, adding insult to Zajac’s injury, Lorenzo Booker, out of Port Hueneme, led Florida State’s rushers during its recent scrimmage. Washington almost inked Booker in February and might have signed him but for some last minute shenanigans.

Fortunately, the Huskies play five-straight games at home after their opener at Michigan, with a bye-week after the San Jose State game. Zajak could be back in the lineup when the Huskies take to the road against USC on October 19th.

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Rushing stats from Saturday's scrimmage