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April 1, 2008 9:49 PM

Polk to be used like Bush?

One of the more interesting nuggets of news today was Chris Polk's listing as the starter at slot back on the pre-spring depth chart.

It speaks in part to UW's lack of experience at receiver due to the loss of five at that spot to graduation.

But it also speaks to the potential and ability of Polk, a native of Redlands, Calif., who may be the most highly touted of all the Class of 2008 recruits and has been on campus since January.

While he's listed as a slotback, however, the Huskies also envision using Polk as a running back, as well, as he rushed for 2,561 yards as a senior.

Asked today how Polk will likely split his time between the two spots, UW offensive coordinator Tim Lappano said "50-50.''

"I think you're going to see him back there (at running back) quite a bit and at slot quite a bit,'' Lappano said.

He later characterized the way the Huskies might use Polk as "like what (USC) did with Reggie Bush.''

"I've seen a lot of good running backs who can't catch or run a route,'' Lappano said. "What this guy brings to the table is his ability to be a receiver as well as be a bonafide runner back there. I think one thing that limited us a year ago a little bit was when you bring guys in at the slot, how many times they really run the ball inside the tackle box. This guy gives you that ability.''

While the Huskies also have an opening at running back with the graduation of Louis Rankin, Lappano said he didn't think Polk would end up playing that position full time.

"I don't think we'll have to go there,'' Lappano said. "He's going to have enough touches back there anyway and we'll have someone in that tailbacks-by-committee who can run the football, so I'm not even worried about that. We're going to have enough back there that we're not going to have to say 'Polk, you're the man (at running back).' I don't see that happening. We'll be able to get him the ball enough back there by moving him around.''

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