UW kicked off its practice today under sunny skies and amid a sideline full of notables.

Among those taking in today's practice were Skyline quarterback Jake Heaps, probably UW's top target for the Class of 2010, and Skyline receiver Kasen Williams, an emerging recruit for the Class of 2011 and the son of former Husky receiver Aaron Williams. (By the way, media cannot talk to recruits in such instances as it is a violation of NCAA rules). Demetrius Bronson, who will arrive in the fall, also attended.

Also observing were some former Huskies, with more coming to town in the next day or so for the team's annual alumni weekend. Among those watching today were Jason Chorak and Zach Tuiasosopo. Tuiasosopo looks like he's dropped about 30 pounds having apparently given up football after three years of bouncing around the NFL.

As for the team on the field, no real changes from what was reported earlier in terms of injuries, with WR Devin Aguilar back in full pads and working. J.R. Hasty and E.J. Savannah were again not in pads and watching from the sidelines. CB Bryon Davenport was in shoulder pads and sweats but appeared to be working as normal (the team was in full pads).

The team spent the early portion of practice working on the triple option, something UW offensive coordinator Tim Lappano had said earlier in the day will be more of an emphasis this spring (I'll have more from that conversation later).

Lappano said that in reviewing last season, he didn't think the team got what it should have out of the triple option and wants to make that a more effective part of the offense this season, saying all of it has to get better, including blocking on the perimeter and the timing of the quarterbacks and running backs.

The Huskies may also need to get better at practicing the triple option. Nate Williams hit Curtis Shaw pretty hard after one run (it wasn't a full-contact drill) getting a little reminder from UW coach Tyrone Willingham "to take care of our guys'' as the coaches are stressing the importance of getting through the spring in good health. A play or two later, freshman LB Kurt Mangum then tripped up Jake Locker, thought Locker quickly regained his feet.

The hits, however, seemed in line with a practice that appeared to have a pretty fast tempo to it after Willingham had told the media earlier that he hadn't like what he saw on Tuesday. Willingham appeared to be giving a pretty enthusiastic talk to the team just as it wrapped up conditioning and then split into groups for the beginning of full practice.