Washington’s Petersen still evaluating Huskies’ quarterbacks

  • By Christian Caple The News Tribune
  • Sunday, April 13, 2014 10:11pm
  • SportsSports

SEATTLE — Chris Petersen admits that even if one of Washington’s quarterbacks has separated himself during spring practices, he probably wouldn’t say anything about it publicly.

But UW’s head coach says it’s far too early to think about whether Jeff Lindquist or Troy Williams might start under center when the Huskies begin the season Aug. 30 at Hawaii.

“I don’t think it’s even really time for us to sit down and say, ‘hey this is the guy,’” Petersen said after Saturday’s practice. “We just need to keep competing and letting everybody get better.”

The division of quarterback repetitions during practices has supported that statement.

Lindquist and Williams receive equal reps, with each player working with different combinations of the No. 1 and No. 2 offensive units.

There’s also still the possibility of suspended quarterback Cyler Miles returning to the team, though if Petersen has a timeline for his return, he hasn’t said so publicly. Miles was being investigated in connection with the same Feb. 2 altercation that resulted in misdemeanor charges being filed against wide receiver Damore’ea Stringfellow, though the King County Prosecutor’s Office declined to file charges against Miles.

Petersen said last week that Miles won’t necessarily miss the entire spring, but just three practices remain.

Washington will at least receive a boost to its quarterback numbers in the fall, when incoming freshman K.J. Carta-Samuels (San Jose, Calif.) joins the team. Until then — or until Miles is allowed to practice again — it will likely just be Lindquist and Williams taking all of the snaps.

UW’s lack of bodies at that position has at least given Lindquist and Williams plenty of chances to try to hone their timing in a new offense.

“I think the schemes, they understand it, and now it’s just a process of making decisions faster,” Petersen said. “I think there’s a lot — ‘hey, that’s a good decision, the ball needs to come out quicker. You need to see that and make that decision quicker.’ So I think there’s been a lot of progress on those two guys kind of understanding what we’re doing.”

Seventh-year senior?

What most folks know about running back Deontae Cooper is that he missed his first three full college seasons due to three different ACL injuries and subsequent surgeries.

But what folks might not know is that the NCAA has already issued Cooper a rare waiver granting him seven years of college eligibility — or four full seasons of competition — meaning he’ll be able to play for UW through 2016, if he so chooses.

Cooper, a fifth-year senior who finally saw the field in 2013 when he rushed 43 times for 270 yards and three touchdowns, doesn’t necessarily think that far into the future.

“We’ll see. I hate to plan, because no one planned to have three ACL tears,” Cooper said. “So I’m just going to take it one day at a time and go from there.”

Cooper said he thought about pursuing a nursing degree, but instead decided to stick with American Ethnic Studies with an emphasis in Communication, with the hope of perhaps pursuing a Master’s in sports administration.

“We’ll see how that goes,” he said.

‘A lot of teaching’

Asked Saturday whether the offense or defense is progressing faster, Petersen hedged his response.

“I think both sides are making strides,” he said. “There’s a lot of teaching. We’ll get to playing football a little bit more in the fall — a lot more in the fall, but I’m talking about fall camp. A lot of fundamentals being taught (in spring), a lot of schemes being taught. I know everybody would like to just go out here and throw a ball out here and scrimmage the whole time, but we just don’t feel that’s best for our development right now.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.