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SEATTLE

Washington's special teams last season?

Well, let's just say they weren't quite as special as the Huskies would have liked.

Other than punt returns, a category in which Washington led the Pac-10 with an average of 11 yards per return, the Huskies were in the bottom half of their conference in most special teams categories.

The Huskies were last in kickoff returns, averaging 19.3 per return, ninth in kickoff coverage, averaging a net of 36.4 yards per kickoff, sixth in net punting with an average of 36.2 yards, and sixth in field goal percentage, making 71.4 percent of their attempts.

Enter a new special teams coach, Brian White, to replace the fired Bob Simmons (White, as Simmons did, coaches tight ends as well). The Huskies hope a new coach, as well as some fresh faces, can make special teams a strength instead of a liability.

"The biggest concern we've always had in my eyes has been our return game," Washington coach Tyrone Willingham said. "We've been looking for that dynamic guy that can give us some energy. . . I think, if we can find a couple of return guys to really give us some energy, some spark, then I think we can have an above average special teams."

That spark looks as though it will come from some of Washington's younger players. White said that sophomore receiver D'Andre Goodwin is likely to return punts this year, replacing Anthony Russo, who was one of the Huskies bright spots on special teams last season.

"He's consistent catching it, and he's got good burst," White said of Goodwin, one of Washington's fastest players.

While the kick return duties are still being sorted out, it sounds like Washington will go with youth. Freshmen Jordan Polk and Chris Polk, who are second cousins, are performing well at the positions, White said, as is freshman tailback Johri Fogerson.

Three jobs are settled already, White said. Backup quarterback Ronnie Fouch will handle the holding duties — though the Huskies continue to give kickers reps holding in practice — Danny Morovick will again be the long snapper, and Jared Ballman will be the punter for second straight year.

The kicking game, however, remains the least settled aspect of Washington's special teams unit.

Last year's place kicker, Ryan Perkins, is battling Ballman and redshirt freshman Erik Folk to keep his job. Even if Perkins retains that job, either Ballman or Folk will handle kickoffs, because Perkins' surgically repaired knee doesn't allow him to take aggressive swings.

Quick Slants

The Huskies practiced Wednesday morning, but canceled their scheduled afternoon practice so players could have a break. ... Center Juan Garcia wasn't at practice the morning practice while tending to a death in the family, Willingham said. He is expected back today.