SEATTLE -- Here is a quick-hitting look at Washington's seventh day of fall camp.
DT Potoa'e determined to earn opportunity
When Sione Potoa'e signed with Washington coming out of high school, he was widely considered a blue-chip recruit.
The 6-foot-2, 271-pound defensive tackle was one of the biggest prizes in the Washington's 2010 recruiting class.
He played in 11 games each of his first two seasons but has totaled only 13 tackles. With younger teammates pushing him for playing time, Potoa'e has found fresh fight.
"This year I feel more motivated," he said. "I'm a junior now, so I need to step up my game. All these younger guys coming in, I've got to step up my game, play in the games."
Potoa'e said he has been more receptive to coaching, which has helped his technique. Now he is working to get a "chance to make plays."
Finding a spot for Feeney
With injuries mounting among the linebackers and an abundance of talent at safety, Travis Feeney has switched positions.
As Washington's staff works to get its top 11 playmakers on the field, the 6-4, 209-pound redshirt freshman is getting a chance to earn an opportunity at linebacker.
"He fits there really nicely," coach Steve Sarkisian said. "He's long and he's rangy. We're trying to find a home for him. We'll see if it works."
Offensive line gets good news
As the Huskies prepared for fall camp, Colin Tanigawa was one of the players Sarkisian often singled out.
He talked about the left guard returning from the knee injury he suffered during the Oregon State game last year. But, while the redshirt sophomore was cleared to play at the start of camp, he slowly worked his way back into the lineup.
Tanigawa saw his most significant action of fall camp Monday, positive progress for the offensive line.
"Colin's been good," Sarkisian said. "He is getting back in the flow of it. Colin provides that nasty streak on the offensive line that we relish."
Two-way specialists
There are several players who will see time on the other side of ball in specific situations. Defensive end Pio Vatuvei fits into that category.
The 6-2, 281-pound freshman played fullback in high school and has spent some time filling that role with the Huskies.
"We've got a few packages that we think he can help us," Sarkisian said. "So far, the results are good."
Coons is comfortable
When Sarkisian talks about Travis Coons, he comments on the kicker's "tremendous" leg and ability to stay calm in tense moments.
The junior college transfer has looked better with each passing practice. He hit his first five field goals Monday before missing a pair from 59 yards out.
The Huskies put pressure on Coons during each long kick, his teammates cheering him on like it was a potential game-winning attempt. Sarkisian wants Coons to be put in situations designed to "bring out the best in him."
While he didn't make the deep kicks in the evening practice, he hammered a 55-yard field goal last week that would have been good from 60 yards out.