Huskies’ Seferian-Jenkins does double duty

SEATTLE — Austin Seferian-Jenkins will continue this week to refine moves in order to free himself of two opposition players at once. He’ll just be doing it out of a three-point stance.

During last week’s 34-15 win over Utah, Seferian-Jenkins, already the best tight end in Huskies history as a sophomore, was inserted on third down to rush the passer as a defensive end.

It was a surprise move from head coach Steve Sarkisian, largely necessitated by injuries and a general lack of a pass rush. Washington is tied with Colorado for 10th in the conference in sacks with a paltry 17. That’s just two ahead of last-place Arizona.

Defensive end Talia Crichton missed the game because of an injury as did defensive tackle Josh Banks.

So, as a part-time solution, Sarkisian dispatched Seferian-Jenkins to the right side of the defensive line Saturday, but only on third down. That moved end Andrew Hudson inside and put Josh Shirley on the opposite side.

“I thought he was relatively successful at doing that in the game,” Sarkisian said. “Obviously he didn’t just beat the tackle and sack the quarterback, but he allowed us to move Hudson down inside to do some things from getting more speed on the field and utilizing that … I think that helped Andrew and he got a sack later in the ball game because of that.”

All year, Sarkisian has refrained from using linebacker Shaq Thompson on offense despite feeling Thompson’s athletic gifts would make him a good running back. Even earlier in the season when it was not clear that Bishop Sankey would rumble to the quality year he is having, Sarkisian resisted, saying he would not jeopardize the success of the defense by making the move.

But, he’s chosen to take the risk with Seferian-Jenkins, who is the school’s all-time leader in receptions by a tight end and was named one of eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award, which goes to the nation’s best tight end, on Monday.

“We know this is a violent sport,” Sarkisian said. “But guys can get injured doing stuff that there is nobody around them and we saw that early in the season, so I am not as concerned. It’s not as if he’s in there taking on run blocks and different things and he’s not in on goal line. He’s in there on obvious passing downs where he’s rushing the passer, so if we are coaching afraid to get hurt then we are afraid to lose, too.”

Seferian-Jenkins said Saturday he has no problem with the move and his focus now is to get better at the position. He’s improved all other aspects of his game already this season.

His 55 catches and 731 yards in 10 games are already ahead of last year’s totals of 41 and 538. Seferian-Jenkins struggled with his blocking earlier in the season, but Sarkisian says that has been much improved the past two weeks.

“I don’t know who is playing better right now than him at that position around the country,” Sarkisian said. “I just know what he is doing and he is playing at a high level.”

In fall camp, Seferian-Jenkins said he needed to be better this season at discarding negative plays, whether it’s a drop, a missed block or just not getting the ball often early in the game. That’s an ongoing battle, but one Sarkisian says Seferian-Jenkins has begun to win.

So, don’t be surprised to see No. 88 on a three-point stance with a white towel dangling from his hip Saturday in Boulder, Colo. Arguably the country’s best tight end will be hunting for his first sack to add to his list of accomplishments this year.

“I don’t think it’s ever just going to go away,” Sarkisian said. “It’s got to fit the game plan and who we’re playing and what we’re doing.”

Extra Points

Sarkisian said defensive lineman Pio Vatuvei is probably done for the season. He did not specify Vatuvei’s injury. … Sarkisian also said that they will have to re-evaluate cornerback Desmond Trufant as the week goes along. He left Saturday’s game early after re-aggrivating a hamstring injury. “We’ll see. Anytime you’re dealing with a hamstring … It’s not the severity where I can come out and say he’s out for the next two weeks. But it’s enough that it bothers him. Hopefully we can get him more healthy this week than he was going into the game last week.” … LB Princeton Fuimaono will also be out a couple weeks, according to Sarkisian. … The University of Washington reprimanded the News Tribune for excessive tweeting and game-thread blog coverage of a live event following Sunday night’s Huskies men’s basketball game. The university introduced a new policy prior to this football season which put in place a recommended cap on the number of updates (20 for basketball, 45 for football) that can be made during live events. The policy states: “If UW deems that a Credential Holder is producing a real-time description of the contest, UW reserves all actions against Credential Holder, including but not limited to the revocation of the credential.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.