Head coach Steve Sarkisian talks about OL Erik Kohler and S Nate Fellner.

by Curtis Crabtree
KJR reporter
Twitter: @Curtis_Crabtree

MONTLAKE - S Nate Fellner was working with the linebackers during practice. Sarkiaian seemed to imply the move was somewhat permanent to use Fellner as a nickel and dime linebacker.

"We are doing some different things as far as nickel packages and dime packages and it’s getting Nate down in the box and utilizing his strengths," Sarkisian said.

OL Erik Kohler worked at center some as well as both guard positions. Sarkisian said it was just to get another guy able to snap if the necessity arose.

"We are always trying just to develop guys," Sarkisian said. "You never know. The worst case scenario is we get into a ball game and two centers go down and we have to have a contingency plan if that did occur."

Kohler has played just about every possible position on the offensive line since signing with the Huskies two years ago, but Sarkisian said he believes guard is his best position.

"He’s been exposed to quite a bit, obviously playing some guard his first year and getting out to tackle last year," Sarkisian said. "So the experience of being a guard and being able to communicate really well and utilize his strengths. He’s a big guy, a physical guy and I just think that fits him better as well."

DE Talia Crichton still not practicing with a knee injury. C Drew Schaefer (knee) and LB Scott Lawyer (groin) also did not participate.

CB Greg Ducre (concussion) was back to full participation after being in a red no contact jersey Monday.

S James Sample, S Travis Feeney, and FB/LB Cooper Pelluer remain in red non-contact jerseys with shoulder injuries.

WR Kevin Smith (knee), RB/LB Ryan McDaniel (knee), RB Deontae Cooper (knee), DE Hau'oli Jamora (knee), LB Alec Kimble (foot), OL Colin Tanigawa (knee) and DT Semisi Tokolahi (foot) remain unable to practice and likely won't during the duration of spring practice.