SEATTLE — After two practice sessions in full pads, the Washington Huskies football team dialed back the intensity a bit in a recent practice session Thursday at Husky Stadium in Seattle.

Players wore spider pads Thursday but there were still standout moments despite the slight dial-back in contact.

Here's several notes and takeaways from Washington's April 9 practice session.

The Huskies have already stated their intention to be fluid and situational with who's back returning punts and kicks this upcoming season. 

Even if Washington does take that approach, there will be a duo of players who are likely to take the lion's share of return duties.

So far, it looks like the likeliest candidate to be the "No. 1" returner is sophomore safety Rahshawn Clark.

Clark has had a gold jersey on the entire spring and has been limited in what he can participate in during practice.

Clark is expected to be a candidate to be the starting nickel cornerback/"star" defensive back when he returns healthy but he lined up at a safety position for scout team walkthroughs with the starting defense.

Given the depth UW has on the roster in the cornerback room, there's a possibility that redshirt freshman Ramonz Adams Jr. (who lined up in the nickel with the No. 1 defense Thursday) and Clark could split reps, which would allow the latter to take on return duties.

There's also a chance Adams could simply be the full-time nickel and Clark could have a starting safety/return duty. A lot of those questions will likely be solidified when summer practice begins.

There's been a lot of eyes on the defense this spring, particularly on the offseason defensive line transfer portal additions DeSean Watts (Sacramento State), Darin Conley (Ball State) and Kai McClendon (Mississippi State).

It's still uncertain who will all start on the defensive line and who will be the primary backups. But all three drew compliments from their defensive line coach, Jason Kaufusi.

"We're five practices in, it's good to see them run around and listen to and take all the coachings of what I do in teaching the fundamentals," Kaufusi said after practice Thursday. "In general, (Conley's) flying around, he's striking with his hands. He has a real good pass/rush skillset, so I'm real pleased with that. We'll see. We got 10 more practices to go."

Several receivers have had their share of highlight moments in practice for UW and on Thursday it was four-star Class of 2026 recruit and true freshman wide receiver Trez Davis that took advantage of his opportunities.

Due to receivers Bodpegn Miller, Christian Moss and Chris Lawson all being limited in recent practices due to precautionary reasons, Davis has received more reps with the starting offense, alongside fellow four-star Class of '26 receiver Jordan Clay.

Davis made several catches in 11-on-11 drills from junior quarterback Demond Williams Jr. and nearly capped off one full-team session with a touchdown reception. The throw came on a goal line fade but Davis was unable to come down with it.

Due to the players currently being out and Davis and Clay still being freshmen, the depth at receiver might be something that comes down to the final weeks of practices. Currently, it seems like the only guarantee is that sophomore Dezmen Roebuck will start in the slot and redshirt junior Rashid Williams is likely to be a starter on the outside.

As to how the depth falls behind Roebuck and Rashid Williams, that's still up in the air. If Davis does end up securing a starting spot, practices like Thursday will be a reason why.

-- True freshman tight end Kekua Aumua was one of the players taking part in return drills Thursday. He was the only returner who wasn't a running back, wide receiver or defensive back.

-- Ohio State transfer edge rusher Logan George did not participate in Thursday's practice. He was dressed in his jersey.

-- The offenses practiced a significant amount of screen passes of differing varieties Thursday, highlighting another facet of Jedd Fisch's offense that could take defenses off guard.

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