Twenty minutes or so before the opening kickoff, the University of Washington football team gathers in the end zone, in a large circle, with one player tightly pressed against another.
No coaches are involved in this pre-game ritual. What happens next is never scripted. Words and gestures come pouring out, straight from the heart, meant to greatly inspire the troops.
One or more Huskies hold court, assuming the role of extra vocal team leader, striding back and forth in front of everyone where space permits, shouting and pointing.
For the opener against Boise State and this past weekend's game at Michigan State, junior wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk emerged inside this circle of football humanity as the center of attention, while senior linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio largely took charge of the motivational speaking pleasantries before the Tulsa game.
A year ago, senior safety Alex Cook accepted this team responsibility for every game and effectively handed it to these others to maintain.
"I love doing that," Polk said. "I love being that guy that's able to set the tone, just knowing we're about to out there and go to war with each other — and let everybody know how the Huskies play ball."
This traditional pep talk lasts only a few moments, just long enough for everyone to hear the same message, which basically is that no one can beat them if they just do their jobs.
Polk not only addresses 100-plus players before kickoff, he's also mentoring the younger receivers who have joined him and the other vets who have expertise to share.
"With the leaders in that room, I feel it's easy for everybody to catch along," the native Texan said in his folksy way. "All those young guys that's in the room, they've been doing a good job of coming along. I know for a fact, when their time has come, they'll be ready."
Polk obviously has plenty to say and others are listening.
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