Broncos’ New #20 Fastrack: Coleman Channels Lewis
Jonah Coleman, the former UW and Arizona running back, has claimed jersey No. 20 with the Denver Broncos—just like 1990s Husky legend Greg Lewis. Coleman, a fourth-round pick (108th overall), shares Lewis’s compact build (5-foot-8/220 vs. 5-10/214) and explosive potential. Lewis, the UW’s first Doak Walker Award winner, saw his pro career cut short by knee injuries despite flashes like a 111-yard game vs. Pittsburgh in 1991. Coleman arrives off a combined collegiate résumé of 2,939 rushing yards and 32 TDs, highlighted by an 11-carry, 179-yard outing at Colorado in 2023. He’ll hope to outlast Lewis’s two-year NFL stint and turn jersey tradition into modern success.
In a move that screams “number fetish” louder than a fantasy draft chat room, the Broncos handed Coleman the sacred “20” mantle—because nothing says superstition like copying a retired jersey number. One can only imagine the team’s coaching staff chanting incantations over the locker room while Coleman prays to the gridiron gods. Meanwhile, HBO is reportedly pitching a four-part documentary titled “That Number Thing” exploring Denver’s decade-long obsession with digits. Will Coleman avoid the dreaded knee curse that felled Lewis? Or is this simply a vanity stunt so the equipment manager can admire symmetry? Stay tuned, folks—because in Colorado, football is more than a game; it’s a numerology experiment.
Big-Man Exodus: Kepnang Joins Diallo at Kentucky
Franck Kepnang, the 6-foot-11 former UW center, has entered the transfer portal and is heading to Kentucky, reuniting with guard Zoom Diallo under coach Mark Pope. After two seasons at Oregon and four injury-plagued years in Seattle, the shot-blocking, rim-protecting pivot often struggled to hang on to passes, limiting his offensive role. Despite starting 25 games this past winter, knee injuries cost him significant floor time—59 appearances over four seasons. Kentucky hopes Kepnang’s defensive presence and fan-favorite antics (remember the towel cleanup?) will thrive if he can stay healthy.
Kentucky’s latest recruiting strategy: corner the market on Fragile Big Men. Reports claim the Wildcats plan to outfit Kepnang in bubble wrap and assign a full-time physio on a Segway. Local fans are already chanting “Pla-stick! Pla-stick!” until his next knee MRI. Meanwhile, opposing guards tremble at the mere sight of his hesitantly lobbed one-handers. Coach Pope insisted the only pregame ritual is a group hug with his brace collection. If all goes according to plan, Kentucky will become the new “Medical Center of College Basketball”—where every player’s stat sheet lists “Games Played: See Doctor” under minutes.
Husky Speedster Stands Down: Washington’s Spring Breakdown
UW sophomore running back Jordan Washington arrived at spring practice as the roster’s speedster and top ball-carrier after a 68-yard touchdown in 2023. But a freak collision with teammate Manny Karnley left Washington with a neck brace and the season in medical limbo. The coaching staff, invoking tales of Laiatu Latu’s career-saving transfer, awaits July 1’s medical verdict before ruling on Washington’s return. To date, he’s logged just 12 rushes this spring, though he remains a vocal film-room assistant and team morale booster.
In a twist worthy of a daytime soap, Washington’s spring workout ended in ambulance lights, collective prayers and an impromptu neckbrace fashion show. Fans are speculating if the Huskies will introduce a “Fear the Brace” marketing campaign—complete with collectible bobbleheads featuring emergency-stretcher Jordan. Coach Fisch reportedly consulted three doctors, a chiropractor, two barbers and his grandma’s tarot cards before choosing to wait until July. Meanwhile, Washington is busy mentoring fellow RBs from the sidelines, because nothing says “leadership” like calling plays while strapped to a hospital-grade neck collar.
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