Huskies quarterback competition
As Huskies fall camp continues, three players are locked in a race for the starting quarterback position. We break down each of the three candidates, examining which QB deserves to win the job and why.
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#5: Jeff Lindquist, Junior
6-3, 244 lbs.
The case for:
The dual-threat QB from Mercer Island had the most consistent spring of three contenders and his one start in the 2014 opener at Hawaii amounts to the only experience among any of UW’s QBs. “He’s 1-0. You can’t argue that,” UW running back Deontae Cooper said. “He’s a great leader; he’s smart; he’s very knowledgeable of the playbook. As a quarterback, you need all those things.”
The case against:
Accuracy remains a sticking point for Lindquist. Using a baseball analogy, Lindquist is like a one-pitch pitcher who can throw a 100-mph fastball, but he has yet to develop a consistent feel and touch on his throws. “He is such a great kid,” UW coach Chris Petersen said. “That’s why he’s a guy you’re really rooting for because he’s such a good guy.”
#11: K.J. Carta-Samuels, Redshirt Freshman
6-2, 219 lbs.
The case for:
Another dual-threat option, Carta-Samuels is a bit of a wild card because he operated a run-first offense at Bellarmine Prep in San Jose. He has a strong arm and good mobility, flashing his potential at times this spring, particularly early on. “He’s not too vocal,” Cooper said, “but guys respect him. When we do team settings, he does a good job of getting everyone involved.”
The case against:
He redshirted last fall after arriving on campus in the summer, then earned scout-team player of the year honors. The lack of game experience and the relative lack of experience in the offense are the biggest questions.
#3: Jake Browning, Freshman
6-2, 205 lbs.
The case for:
A prodigious pocket passer at powerhouse Folsom (Calif.) High, Browning threw a national-record 229 TDs in three seasons while operating an advanced spread offense. He arrived at UW in January and took part in spring practices.
The case against:
Aside from the lack of experience, is he ready to handle the pressure that comes from being the BMOC on a big stage?
THE DECISION