Huskies Notebook: Rankin earns his touches

Better blocking, clean slate pay off for sophomore RB

By MOLLY YANITY

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

It all had to do with pass blocking:  Keith Gilbertson wanted it; Louis Rankin wasn't doing it.  "I worked at it," Rankin said of his efforts during the 2004 season. "As the season went on, it was like, I can't do nothing about it (to get on the field). I just have to do whatever they're telling me and keep at it."   Rankin stayed in Seattle this summer and worked on his game -- all of it. Speed, conditioning. Oh yeah, and pass blocking. He also got some new coaches.   The sophomore tailback crawled out of the doghouse and took off down the green turf of Qwest Field at the first opportunity last Saturday. He ran for 112 yards on 23 carries -- both career highs. He doubled his career production after his fifth carry.

"That's exciting, but that's what I anticipated from Louis," Huskies coach Tyrone Willingham said.  Rankin broke early runs of 11 and 25 yards, showing the flair about which coaches and teammates gushed in the offseason.  "I always dreamed of running down the field in college. I really wanted to score a touchdown, but hopefully I get the opportunity to do that this week," Rankin said.  Rankin will certainly get the chance, but if his carries diminish against California, it's not because of his pass blocking -- it's because junior tailback Kenny James, who sprained a shoulder on the first day of fall camp, returned to practice this week.

"It goes back to the question, does an injury take you out of the lineup? My answer is whatever is best for the team. That never changes," Willingham said. "If Kenny gives us our best chance at being successful getting more carries than Louis, that's what you do. And if it's the other way around, that's what you do."  Offensive coordinator Tim Lappano said the running back jobs would be filled by committee, though he won't yank the guy with the hot hand.

"I'm not worried about it. I'll go with it," Rankin said.   TIGHT AT TIGHT END: Jared Bronson, a sophomore walk-on, started at tight end against Air Force, with Robert Lewis and Johnie Kirton spelling him.  The position has been plagued by injuries to Dash Crutchley and Jason Benn. Lewis, a sophomore, also has missed practice time, but will challenge Bronson for the start this week.    "I hope the journey continues," Willingham said of Bronson's development. "I hope he gets better and better and better. We need someone to step up at the tight end position. We need some strong play from that position because it's so pivotal to what you do, whether it's running off the edge or in the passing game. It makes a huge difference in your game."

EXTRA POINTS: Defensive coordinator Kent Baer said his defensive backs are learning more than one position this week because strong safety C.J. Wallace (concussion) and cornerback Roy Lewis (shoulder) have missed or been limited in practice. "There are some guys that have to learn two positions to try to create a little bit of depth for you," Baer said. "But I really haven't thought much about it (as a detriment) other than depth." ... Casey Paus will again be the Huskies' No. 2 quarterback. Carl Bonnell (quadriceps) has been limited in practice.