Huskies camp | Day 16 highlights

What happened: UW held one full-pads practice in the afternoon.

Harris hanging tough: The emergence of sophomore Victor Aiyewa and the return of senior Jason Wells from knee injury figured to make it hard for senior Darin Harris to retain his starting job at free safety. Harris started the final eight games of last season after Wells went out.

But with Aiyewa slowed recently with a groin injury and Wells still not 100 percent in his recovery, secondary coach J.D. Williams said Tuesday that if the season started today Harris would likely be a starter alongside sophomore Nate Williams. "He's solid and steady as they go," Williams said. "Right now if I had to pick someone, I'd probably say Darin."

But Williams the coach says the position is very competitive, with lots of players in contention, a number that also includes walk-on Tripper Johnson, who played eight years of minor-league baseball before turning to football.

"They are all in the mix," Williams said. "I don't think there is anyone on the outside looking in."

Injury report: DT Cameron Elisara was not at practice the last two days while dealing with what coach Tyrone Willingham said were academic issues. Willingham said before Tuesday's practice he expected Elisara back, but he wasn't there during the portion open to the media.

Also missing Tuesday were RBs Brandon Johnson and Brandon Yakaboski, TE Michael Gottlieb and CB Byron Davenport. Johnson returned to practice Monday and said he felt fine, so it's uncertain what his situation was Tuesday.

Among those in full pads was C Matt Sedillo, who had been limited since suffering a minor concussion a week ago.

What's next: The Huskies are scheduled for two practices today, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Bob Condotta