The off-season was a tumultuous period for the Washington program, what with coach Rick Neuheisel being linked to a series of 25 recruiting violations during his previous tenure at Colorado.

Those infractions resulted in a "lack of institutional control" charge that makes Neuheisel rather unwelcome back in Boulder. And speaking of recruiting tactics, Neuheisel verbally sparred with UCLA coach Bob Toledo in the weeks after national signing day, resulting in conference reprimands for both coaches.

Then came May 6, when former Washington safety Curtis Williams passed away. The 24-year-old Williams had been paralyzed from the neck down since October 2000, following a helmet-to-helmet hit in a game against Stanford. The week before his death, Williams had watched the spring game, his first return to Husky Stadium since the injury. He also had talked of completing his degree in American Ethnic Studies via correspondence courses.

"Although he was confined to his wheelchair, Curtis taught all of us associated with Husky football the true meaning of the word courage," Neuheisel said. "I think anyone who met or was associated with that kid, they will find it hard to ever feel sorry for themselves."

In June, ex-cornerback Anthony Vontoure died during a struggle with Sacramento, Calif., sheriff’s deputies who were taking him into custody. Vontoure, 22, had played alongside Williams in 1999 and 2000, but a series of disciplinary infractions led to Vontoure’s dismissal from the team in February 2001.

Those incidents came on the heels of a season that went from magical to mediocre as the Huskies lost three of their last five games.

Washington opened the year with an improbable comeback win over No. 11 Michigan. Omare Lowe blocked a field goal that was returned for a touchdown, then ran back an interception for another score in a 23-18 victory. Against Idaho, the Huskies scored on a kickoff return, a blocked field goal and a punt return -- all during the first 20 minutes -- in a 53-3 thumping.

In Week 3, Cody Pickett completed 18-of-33 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns as No. 13 Washington beat California for the 19th consecutive season, 31-28. Against Southern Cal, Pickett went down with a shoulder separation and Taylor Barton stepped in to lead No. 11 Washington to a 27-24 win. John Anderson’s 32-yard field goal with three seconds left was the difference.

Washington’s 4-0 start and 12-game winning streak screeched to a halt as No. 7 UCLA’s DeShaun Foster rushed for a school-record 301 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-13 rout of the Huskies, then ranked No. 10.

Pickett returned to the huddle against Arizona, throwing for a career-high 455 yards with three touchdowns. But it was his 3-yard touchdown run with 13 seconds left that lifted Washington to a 31-28 win. Pickett wound up completing 29-of-49 passes, although that included four interceptions.

The string of comebacks continued against Arizona State as Anderson kicked a 30-yard field goal on the game’s final play, carrying No. 13 Washington to a 33-31 win. Willie Hurst ran for a season-high 185 yards for the Huskies. A week later against Stanford, the game was tied in the final four minutes, before Hurst scored two late touchdowns for a 42-28 Huskies victory over the No. 10 Cardinal.

Washington carried a No. 8 ranking into Oregon State only to get flattened, 49-24 -- that was the Beavers’ first victory at home over the Huskies since 1974. But that gloom was erased a week later, as Washington beat Washington State and won the Apple Cup, 26-14, behind freshman receiver Reggie Williams’ 11 catches for 203 yards.

Winning the state championship felt good, but when Washington ran into a Miami team with national championship aspirations, the result wasn’t pretty. In a 65-7 clubbing, Pickett fumbled twice, threw five interceptions and was sacked four times. He had two more passes fall through the hands of Miami defenders.

The Huskies’ defense was overwhelmed once more in the Holiday Bowl, failing to hold a 19-point lead against Texas in a 47-43 loss.

The final Pac-10 stats show how Washington’s defense softened -- ranking seventh in points allowed (29.4), last in rushing defense (162.6 yards) and fifth in total defense (382.6 yards). With only five returning starters, the unit must be fixed. But more than changes in personnel, Neuheisel said he wants a change in attitude. The Washington offense features eight returnees from a squad that averaged 28.2 points per game. But can it score enough to offset the questionable defense?

"We’re a young, young group on defense," Neuheisel said. "Hopefully, we can play well enough to keep ourselves in a position to win games."

When Pickett replaced Marques Tuiasosopo last fall, few thought the untested sophomore was prepared to deliver one of the top passing seasons in school history. But Pickett (6-4, 215) did just that, throwing for 2,403 yards and 10 touchdowns while completing 56 percent of his passes. His 246.3 yards per game nearly matched Tuiasosopo’s total offense school-record of 251.1 -- quite a surprise considering that Pickett entered the season not having thrown a single pass in a college game.

But Pickett’s inexperience surfaced in the form of 14 interceptions, which lowered his passing-efficiency rating to 124.87 -- 10th in the Pac-10.

Neuheisel attributed part of Pickett’s problems to a shoulder separation suffered in the season’s fifth game. After watching Pickett’s improvement during the spring, the coach expects to see a more mature and refined quarterback this season.

Pickett needs to average only 145 yards per game over the next two seasons to become Washington’s all-time passing leader.

Barton (6-3, 205), a senior, concluded spring as the No. 2 quarterback. He completed 44-of-86 passes for 647 yards and five touchdowns in a reserve role last season. The third-stringer is red-shirt freshman Casey Paus (6-5, 215), the younger brother of UCLA quarterback Cory Paus.

The Pac-10’s ninth-rated rushing offense averaged only 111 yards per game, and even a pass-oriented ex-quarterback such as Neuheisel desires a more balanced attack. Willie Hurst, the team’s top rusher in 2001, averaged a mere 3.6 yards per carry and ended the season with 422 yards. He scored six touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 120 yards, but hardly is irreplaceable.

Junior Rich Alexis (6-0, 215) was a disappointment last season, rushing for 391 yards and scoring five touchdowns. But Alexis averaged only 3.1 yards per carry -- exactly half what he averaged as a freshman in 2000, when he gained 740 yards and scored nine touchdowns

Senior Braxton Cleman (6-0, 215), who played in only one game last season because of a broken collarbone, was granted a medical red-shirt and could work into a rotation at tailback. Cleman carried four times against Idaho, including a 41-yard run that wound up being the Huskies’ longest of the season.

At fullback, Ken Walker has graduated, but Neuheisel wants more offense out of the position anyway. He moved linebacker Zach Tuiasosopo (6-2, 235) to fullback in the spring, where he began competing with red-shirt freshmen John Gardenhire (6-0, 210) and Dan McCourtie (6-2, 240).

During the greatest freshman season in Pac-10 receiving history, split end Williams (6-4, 215) made 55 catches for 973 yards. He ranked third in the conference at 88.4 yards per game and 21st in the nation. How seamless was Williams’s transition to the college level? In becoming the first freshman to start his first game as a Husky, Williams caught four passes for 134 yards in an upset of Michigan.

As Williams teams with senior flanker Paul Arnold (6-1, 200), the Huskies have the makings of a dynamic duo. The 2001 season marked a transition for Arnold as well -- he spent his previous two years at tailback. The results of the switch are pretty apparent: Arnold made 43 receptions for 649 yards and four touchdowns.

The rest of the receiving corps is led by speedy sophomore Charles Frederick (6-0, 180), junior Wilbur Hooks (6-0, 185) and sophomore Justin Robbins (6-0, 175). Frederick, suspended during spring practice, made his mark as a punt returner in 2001, while Hooks has caught 21 passes over the last two seasons. Robbins made 22 receptions as a freshman in 2000, even catching a last-minute game-winning touchdown against Stanford. But his playing time in 2001 was curtailed by shoulder, hamstring and knee injuries, resulting in a red-shirt. Robbins was still rehabbing the knee during spring practice and is questionable for the fall.

Tight end Kevin Ware (6-3, 255) started eight games last season, stepping in when preseason All-American Jerramy Stevens was injured. Stevens subsequently entered the NFL draft, deciding to skip his senior season, and was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round. Ware made seven catches for 102 yards last season, while continuing to be a formidable blocker.

Only center Kyle Benn is missing from the 2001 offensive front that showed steady progress. The Huskies allowed only 25 sacks, fourth best in the conference.

Replacing Benn is former tackle Todd Bachert (6-4, 305), who started all 12 games in 2001. Benn sat out spring practice after shoulder surgery.

The starting guards are junior Nick Newton (6-5, 320) and senior Elliott Zajac (6-5, 305). Newton started 11 games in 2001, missing the Washington State game with a foot injury -- his only missed start in two seasons. He was selected co-offensive MVP by his coaches after Washington ran for five touchdowns against Stanford. Zajac started all 12 games.

Sophomore Khalif Barnes (6-5, 300) returns after starting every game at weak-side tackle. He developed into one of the line’s top pass protectors after moving from defensive tackle. Junior Andre Reeves (6-6, 300) figures to move into Bachert’s previous starting spot.

The backups at center are sophomore Dan Dicks (6-6, 310), red-shirt freshman Brad Vanneman (6-3, 290) and junior Mike Thompson (6-2, 290). The reserves at the guard spots are sophomore Aaron Butler (6-4, 230), red-shirt freshman Brandon Leyritz (6-3, 310) and junior Jason Simonson (6-4, 320). The depth at tackle comes from sophomore Ryan Brooks (6-6, 290) and junior Justin Booker (6-2, 300) on the weak side, along with junior-college signee Francisco Tipoti (6-5, 320) and Robin Meadow (6-6, 285) on the strong side.

Anderson (6-3, 185) earned second-team All-Pac-10 honors in 2001, based upon his last-second kicks that beat Southern Cal and Arizona State. However, he connected on only 14-of-22 field-goal tries, going 11-of-17 from inside 40 yards. Washington needs him to be more consistent from such reachable distances.

"Our defensive line is young and just needs an identity," Neuheisel said. "I don’t think we lack talent, I just think we need a bell cow, somebody that is just going to take charge. I think there are some guys in there who can do that. I also think that we need to emphasize that you do not have to be a senior to do that -- you just have to be a war daddy, a guy who just can’t wait to play."

The Huskies must replace All-America tackle Larry Triplett and defensive end Marcus Roberson. Triplett’s 38 tackles included 12.5 stops behind the line, while Roberson, a two-year starter, had 20 tackles.

Junior Jerome Stevens (6-3, 285) is the lone returning starter on the three-man front. He saw most of his playing time at defensive end last season, making 20 tackles, but is shifting to nose tackle. The backups are sophomore Josh Miller (6-3, 270) -- who made 10 tackles and four starts in 2001 -- and red-shirt freshman Tusi Sa’au (6-2, 285).

The leading candidates at defensive tackle are sophomores Tui Alailefaleula (6-4, 290) and Junior Coffin (6-3, 280), along with junior Terry Johnson (6-4, 275). Alailefaleula played in eight games, while Coffin appeared in 10. Johnson could double as a blocking tight end in short-yardage situations.

Sophomore Manase Hopoi (6-4, 250) and red-shirt freshman Graham Lasee (6-5, 260) ended spring practice competing for the defensive end spot.

Given the poor state of Washington’s defense in 2001, Neuheisel contemplated a switch from the 3-4 scheme. But he reconsidered in hopes that the Huskies’ speedy linebackers could spearhead an improvement.

The common denominator in every combination is senior Ben Mahdavi (6-2, 235), who led the Huskies with 85 tackles from his inside linebacker spot. His four fumble recoveries tied a single-season school mark, and he registered a career-high five sacks. He was one of only four defenders to start every game in 2001. His best efforts included a 15-tackle day in the win at Southern Cal, earning him Pac-10 defensive player-of-the-week honors.

Mahdavi also had 12 tackles against Washington State, and his two fourth-quarter sacks against Arizona gave the ball back to the Huskies’ offense in time for a comeback. Shoulder surgery forced Mahdavi to miss spring drills, allowing junior backup Marcus Cooper (6-4, 210) to get more snaps. Sophomore Matt Lingley (6-2, 225) also benefited from extra reps.

After transferring from the junior college ranks last season, outside linebacker Kai Ellis (6-4, 245) made 13 tackles in his Washington debut against Michigan. But he subsequently missed three mid-season games with knee injuries and finished the year with 39 tackles and zero sacks.

Senior Anthony Kelley (6-2, 240) also deserves a look, having played in 33 games and started seven. He has 71 career tackles, including 14 for loss and six sacks.

The reserves are junior Houdini Jackson (6-1, 245) and red-shirt freshman Will Conwell (6-5, 215).

The two linebackers who must be replaced are Sam Blanche (30 tackles) and Jamaun Willis (62 tackles), who each started 12 games. Vying to replace Willis on the outside is senior Jafar Williams (6-0, 225), who sat out 2001 with a severe shoulder injury. Junior Tyler Krambrink (6-1, 220) also is coming off an injury-riddle season.

Blanche’s old spot should fall to either Joseph Lobendahn (6-0, 25) or Tim Galloway (6-2, 230), both sophomores. Lobendahn saw primarily special teams action as a freshman, while Galloway backed up Willis, making 19 tackles.

Junior cornerback Chris Massey ( 5-11, 170) and strong safety Greg Carothers (6-2, 220) are the returning starters. But with injuries ransacking the secondary last season and again during spring practice, the complexion of the depth chart could change drastically.

At the corner opposite Massey, junior Roc Alexander (6-0, 185) looks to be the most talented option, but he missed spring drills with a shoulder malady. Alexander has shown what he can do when healthy, making four interceptions last season despite starting only four times.

Sophomores Derrick Johnson (6-0, 180) and Sam Cunningham (6-0, 175) also have a chance to crack the lineup. Johnson was sidelined for the duration of last season with a knee injury. Freshman Eric Shyne (5-11, 175) and junior Domynick Shaw (5-11, 215), a converted safety, also are in the mix.

Carothers made 72 tackles last season, second most on the team. But he was absent during the spring, compliments of a shoulder injury, leaving red-shirt freshmen Eric Benjamin (6-0, 200) and Ty Eriks (6-2, 220) to get an audition.

At free safety, sophomore Jimmy Newell (6-1, 185) heads the group. Backup Owen Biddle (5-10, 180) spent the spring nursing his injured shoulder, giving a longer look to red-shirt freshmen James Sims (6-1, 195) and sophomores RayShon Dukes (6-0, 185) and B.J. Newberry (6-0, 195).

Sophomore Derek McLaughlin (6-2, 190) earned second-team Freshman All-America honors with his 41.2-yard average that was second in the Pac-10 last season. He also set a school record with a 76-yarder against California.

The Huskies feature a couple of return men explosive enough to give opposing coverage teams fits. Frederick was a Freshman All-American pick by The Sporting News after averaging 14.6 yards per punt return.

His 87-yard runback against Idaho wound up as the Pac-10’s longest of the season.

If Johnson’s knee is recovered, he could regain the form of 2000, when he was selected second-team Freshman All-America by The Sporting News upon averaging 24.2 yards per kickoff return.

The Huskies landed a pair of quality running backs in James of Dos Palos, Calif., and Shelton Sampson (5-11, 175) of Tacoma, Wash.

James scored 96 touchdowns and rushed for nearly 5,000 yards over the last two seasons, when his high school team went 21-1. Sampson gained 1,600 yards and scored 15 touchdowns last season while earning PrepStar and SuperPrep All-America honors.

Ben Bandel (6-7, 270) of Murrieta, Calif., was a PrepStar All-America tight end who made 33 catches for 452 yards and five scores as a senior. He joins Jason Benn (6-5, 240) of Edmonds, Wash., who had 28 catches for more than 700 yards and five touchdowns.

Juco receiver Eddie Jackson had 357 yards on 18 catches for a team that predominantly ran the football. Nate Robinson (5-9, 170) of Seattle was a dangerous prep receiver but shapes up to be a return specialist in college. He was SuperPrep’s 17th-best athlete nationally.

Jordan Slye (6-5, 190), also of Seattle, was a high school quarterback who likely will use his size and quickness at receiver. Slye missed his senior season with a broken leg.

The offensive line signees are an impressive collection headed by Nathan Rhodes (6-7, 305) of Bakersfield, Calif. A Parade All-American and a USA Today second-teamer, Rhodes was rated among the nation’s top 10 linemen by Tom Lemming, PrepStar and SuperPrep.

Dan Milsten (6-5, 265) of Tacoma, Wash., was rated fourth among West Region linemen by PrepStar . Stanley Daniels (6-3, 305) of San Diego was a PrepStar All-American, while Robin Kezirian (6-3, 270) was a PrepStar All-West selection.

The Huskies’ season begins with a trip to Ann Arbor, where Michigan surely will be savoring a chance to avenge the one that got away last season. But then Washington plays five consecutive home games, where Neuheisel no doubt will spend his time riding an offense that appears skillfully rich and tweaking a defense that appears painfully inept.

With road games at Southern Cal, Oregon and Washington State, the Huskies face the Pac-10’s toughest schedule. (It’s a shame that Washington and Stanford don’t play this season, considering how every conceivable NCAA single-game offensive record might be in peril.)

Optimistic fans know Washington is never far from a Pac-10 title, but the pessimists will remember that last season’s 8-4 team could have finished .500 or worse if not for a string of last-minute good fortune. With Pickett at the controls, expect the Huskies to provide more fourth-quarter excitement this season. Whether he can do enough to overcome a spotty defense, however, is the tricky part. Another eight-win season is a fair guess.