Washington running back Jonah Coleman took a seat opposite Kamren Fabiculanan at his individual podium at Big Ten Media Days. He was stationed outside of the right hash at the five-yard line of the south end zone inside Lucas Oil Stadium. The afternoon session featured all three Husky players at the same time, with Carson Bruener positioned a couple of podiums to Coleman’s right.
Media Days in Style for Jonah Coleman
The Husky running back took the stage in style, wearing a gray suit, a white shirt, and a silver bow tie. Accenting his suit, Coleman wore new VVS diamond jewelry. He went into detail on his look which featured a brand new chain. The large, circular medallion is encrusted with a jersey showing his new number No. 1, and his last name. Coleman also wore his new set of VVS diamond grills to match the chain. Tying it all together, Coleman was sporting a matching diamond watch on his left wrist.
Coleman’s style is a big part of his personality, and it shows up on the field as well. “I play with my grills in… it’s part of the drip, part of the swagger, part of me.” Coleman said that where he came from, and the blood, sweat, and tears that he’s put into the game of football all culminated in him earning the new chain and new look. His play on the field backs it up as well. Last season at Arizona, Coleman led his team with 871 yards and five rushing touchdowns. He averaged nearly seven yards per touch and did it as a true sophomore in Tucson.
Running Behind a New Offensive Line
The position group in question this fall is the offensive line. With many new pieces and young players, it’s difficult to project what this group could look like in terms of consistency. With that uncertainty, having a physical running back like Coleman is vital. His ability to run through contact and use his quickness to escape tight running lanes will help the Washington run game’s production this season. But for Coleman, he has his focus on one thing only.
“I care about winning games, honestly. Whether I can contribute to the game or not, I don’t like losing.” Coleman acknowledged that his running style is important and that he believes he is a contributor. But he isn’t concerned about any question marks at the offensive line position.
“Our O-Line, they’re gonna do fine.” The demeanor in which he delivered that statement was with confidence. Coleman said it’s unrealistic to think your offensive line is going to create massive running lanes, no matter what program you are. Being coachable and doing the little things right is what’s important for Coleman. He said it all comes down to, “Bringing your A-Game, that’s it. It’s a mindset.” A running back’s relationship with his offensive line is one of the important connections on the team. Coleman demonstrated confidence in his group up front at Big Ten Media Days.
Coleman’s View on Culture at Washington
Coleman was one of 12 Arizona transfers to Washington this offseason. Additionally, 21 Wildcat staffers moved up to Seattle to remain on Jedd Fisch’s staff. There is a lot of continuity within the locker room from Arizona. But in terms of culture, Coleman views it as a new situation on Montlake.
“It’s a change because it’s not the same people,” Coleman said, referring to the players in the locker room. “Those are my guys, those are my brothers. We connected, I love them… I’d go to war with them.” The bond between the players in the previous locker room in Tucson was strong. That was evident in the results from last year’s team, as Arizona finished with 10 wins and ranked at number 11 nationally. But every year is a new group of players, and with that a new culture, no matter the coaching staff.
Coleman said that there would be a culture change no matter where he decided to lace up the cleats this fall. “Whether or not I was at Arizona or [Washington], it was going to be a new team… another rebuilding state… Every year it’s a new team, it’s never the same team.”
New Team, New Culture
Thirty-six scholarship players remained at Washington, 35 players coming from 12 different schools and 12 Arizona transfers who have come together to create this Washington roster. Coleman’s assessment of year-over-year change was spot-on at Big Ten Media Days. Each year, the culture is different. Each year, there’s an opportunity to put together a new level of unity and a new bond between players and staff. It appears that bond is already forming strong in this Washington locker room this offseason. For Coleman, he is ready for that to be put on display on the field this fall.
Photo from Nick Lemkau
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