UW QB Jake Locker returned to the practice field on Monday morning, taking snaps at quarterback for the first time since suffering a strained hamstring 10 days ago.  Head coach Tyrone Willingham was cautious with the sophomore signal caller, but was clearly excited to have him back in an active role on the field.

"Jake's eager, anxious and ready to get involved," Willingham said.  "There is no question that what we have to do is definitely put limits on him because he wants to be back and he wants to be going.  We have to be very careful because he is what I call an instinctive player - his instincts take over and he just goes.  So the best way to do that is to put him in situations that we protect him from using his instincts, then we can limit what takes place."

Many of the players who had missed action because of injuries returned on Saturday and Monday, though, to be cautious, they are limited.  Juan Garcia, Casey Bulyca and Alameda Ta'amu also returned to the field, but were limited in their use.

In regards to Saturday's scrimmage, Willingham was impressed with what he saw, particularly from the running backs, though no one player took the brunt of the snaps.

by Curtis Crabtree
KJR reporter
curtiscrabtree@clearchannel.com

MONTLAKE - Tyrone Willingham talked to about using a pool to rehab injuries to players such as Brandon Johnson, Byron Davenport and just about everyone else on the injured list.

Cornerback Anthony Gobern recently had surgery on his shoulder and safety Victor Aiyewa has suffered a groin injury that he is working on rehabbing.

Josh Gage and Charles Hawkins, who were both on scholarship last season, currently are not under scholarship at this point. Willingham said he expected that Gage will be on scholarship.

Jordan Polk has been making a favorable impression in camp so far.

"This is way different than high school," Polk said. "You've got more competition. Everything is a little bit harder in learning the plays but it's a fun experience and I'm just working on and trying to get on the field."

Polk said that he had been working a bit with the kickoff return team and the other special teams units.

Quote of the Day:

"The heat always has some impact on some of the guys and I'll label it a distraction that you welcome as a coach because you want your guys to be able to work through it. But it does take a toll." - Willingham on working on the heat and the anticipation of a 90-degree plus day.

Freshman defensive tackle Senio Kelemete joined the Huskies roster for Wednesday evening's practice.  Coach Tyrone Willingham had positive things to say about the 6-4, 260-pound Evergreen High product.

"Some people thought he would be one of the best defensive players around this year.  He is an amazing worker," Willingham said.  "He is one of those young men that is humbled, that wants to be successful, that's willing to work and beat the odds.  So you just enjoy being around a young man of that nature.  What we try to build our team on are young people that believe that work is the core of life and he's one of those young men that has that belief."

However, the Huskies also lost linebacker TJ Poe for what Willingham called an extended period after the senior from Enumclaw suffered a broken clavicle.

Starting quarterback Jake Locker again missed practice this morning and Coach Tyrone Willingham listed him as day-to-day.  In his place, though Offensive Coordinator Tim Lappano has been pleased with the play of backup Ronnie Fouch.

"This has been really good for him," Lappano said of Fouch.  "He's getting about 90% of the reps.  We haven't taken anything out because Jake's out.  He's ok with that.  He's not Jake, mobility-wise, but he's pretty crafty with his feet."

Coach Willingham referred to practices as "good and spirited," though reports had a mild skirmish in the morning session. 

Josh Gage (illness) also missed the morning session.

Additionally, center Juan Garcia has been participating more and more in drills and his early return to game-shape seems more likely by the day.