Pete Carroll visited the Petros & Money Show on AM 570 this afternoon. Discussing the tailback spot, Carroll reiterated that it’s not his job to make 10 running backs happy but, instead, to ensure they have a chance to perform, so that each feels, “I had a legitimate shot.” Not ready to name a starting lineup as of yet at receiver, Carroll noted that David Ausberry is as tough as anyone on the field at this point, and if they had to play a game today, he’d be playing opposite Patrick Turner.

Carroll is predictably not ready to crown his 2007 defensive unit with any meaningful superlatives at this point, but he thinks it’s a “terrific football group” that numbers about 16 or 17 guys (not just 10 or 11) who will play regularly, with rotations at every position. Though DT Sedrick Ellis and DE Lawrence Jackson have taken over the D-Line, Carroll made special mention of Averell Spicer and Derek Simmons as players who have stepped up. Everson Griffen, Carroll raved, is the fastest defensive lineman the program has had in 7 years and will definitely be playing in the first game.  The coach added that freshmen LBs Chris Galippo and Malcolm Smith can help this year. Also commenting on the early bye week before the Nebraska game, Carroll sees it as a benefit for the young players, who, if they weren’t ready for Idaho, can get ready before the rest of the schedule begins.

Carroll Interview (skip to 24:00 mark)