Husky QB Miles taking ‘voluntary leave of absence’

  • By Christian Caple The News Tribune
  • Friday, March 13, 2015 1:09pm
  • SportsSports

The Washington Huskies’ quarterback competition took an unexpected turn Friday, as the school announced fourth-year junior Cyler Miles, the team’s starting quarterback in 2014, is taking a “voluntary leave of absence” and will not participate in spring practices.

According to the UW, Miles decided to take leave for personal reasons and his absence is not a disciplinary measure.

“Cyler is dealing with some things in his life that are more important than football, and he felt it was important to take some time away from the game,” Huskies coach Chris Petersen said in a statement released by the school. “We are working to support him in any way we can and hope he returns back to the football field soon.”

UW’s official statement noted that the school will have no further comment on Miles’ absence, though a Seattle Times report indicated that while Miles is still considering his options, he does not expect to play in 2015.

As it stands, the Huskies will have three scholarship quarterbacks available for spring practices — fourth-year junior Jeff Lindquist, redshirt freshman K.J. Carta-Samuels and freshman Jake Browning, who graduated early from Folsom (Calif.) High School and enrolled at UW in January.

Lindquist is the only quarterback on the roster with game experience. The 6-foot-3, 246-pound product of Mercer Island High School started the 2014 season opener at Hawaii, a game Miles missed while serving a suspension for his role in an off-campus assault investigation last February.

Miles was also suspended throughout last spring pending that investigation, which yielded misdemeanor assault charges against ex-teammate Damore’ea Stringfellow. Miles was not charged because of insufficient evidence.

Miles started 12 of UW’s 14 games in 2014, completing 66.6 percent of his passes for 2,397 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions, in addition to 307 yards rushing and four touchdowns — but he displayed questionable arm strength and often looked frazzled in the pocket.

Asked about the upcoming quarterback competition following UW’s Jan. 2 loss to Oklahoma State in the Cactus Bowl, Miles replied: “Just keep grinding. God’s going to take care of all the rest. All you can control is what you control, yourself, and how you are with your teammates, and your effort day in and day out. So that’s all I can focus on right now.”

Miles’ up-and-down season, as well as the perceived potential of both Carta-Samuels and Browning — a record-setting, four-star recruit — led many to wonder whether Miles would keep his starting job heading into 2015.

Petersen said during an interview with Sports Radio KJR 950 AM in January that he had “no idea” who would start at quarterback for the Huskies this season. In subsequent interviews, Petersen said he anticipated a wide-open competition.

“The best quarterback’s going to win, there’s no question about it,” Petersen told 1090 AM on Feb. 12. “I’m really excited to see this competition. I think we’ve got some talent there. Some of it’s very young talent. I’m really anxious to see how that’s going to go.”

Browning might be the most intriguing candidate. As a three-year starter at Folsom High, he threw a national record 229 touchdown passes, and tied the national single-season record of 91 touchdown passes as a senior in 2014.

UW begins spring practice March 30. The annual “spring preview” is scheduled for noon on April 25, and will be broadcast by Pac-12 Networks.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (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.