Washington Huskies name Jeff Lindquist starting quarterback for opener

Nov 9, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jeff Lindquist (5) hands the ball off to Washington Huskies running back Deontae Cooper (32) during the 2nd half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Husky Stadium. Washington defeated Colorado 59-7. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jeff Lindquist (5) hands the ball off to Washington Huskies running back Deontae Cooper (32) during the 2nd half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Husky Stadium. Washington defeated Colorado 59-7. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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With Keith Price off the NFL and a new coaching staff on board transition at quarterback was bound to happen for the Washington Huskies. However, few saw that transition including a suspension and having to find a viable option at quarterback for at least one week.

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That’s exactly what head coach Chris Petersen found himself dealing with tough, as he suspended likely starter Cyler Miles for the season opener at Hawaii.

It meant that redshirt sophomore Jeff Lindquist and freshman Troy Williams would be in the mix for the opening day starters role. On Friday, Petersen announced that Lindquist would become the starter for the first game of the season at the very least, according to the Seattle Times.

“Jeff Lindquist will start. We’ll go with him and see how he does,” Petersen said after practice, via the Seattle Times. “He’s done a great job from spring through now. I will say this: Troy Williams has done a really nice job, too. And I think we were splitting hairs trying to figure this out. Both have different skillsets they bring to the table, but at this point we feel like we need to give Jeff the nod and let him roll, let him get some things done and let him go from there.”

While Lindquist is only the starter for the season opener, he may become the permanent starter depending on many factors. Petersen didn’t close the door on him winning the job on a permanent basis while making this announcement, stating that Miles’ suspension would factor in to the race after the opener.

“Jeff’s going to go and he’s going to get a good opportunity to go. We don’t want anybody looking over their shoulder, but a guy’s got to go produce,” Petersen said. “After this first game, we’ll kind of reevaluate and see where we are.”

It certainly sounds like Lindquist could earn himself another look or two should he have a solid and consistent performance against the Rainbow Warriors.