Washington Spring Football Preview: Price May Have to Battle for Starting Spot

The fact is plain and simple, the Huskies need more out of their quarterback than what they got in 2012 if they hope to ever get out of the 7-6 rut that they have found themselves in the past three seasons. Two-year returning starter and senior Keith Price had solid numbers in 2012 with 2,726 yards and 19 touchdowns to 13 interceptions, but most of those stats were padded in games against Colorado and Portland State and it became painfully clear towards the end of the season that opposing defenses weren't afraid of him at all.

It may never officially be declared as such, but one has to imagine that the starting quarterback position will be open for competition this spring in Seattle. Husky fans have been anxiously waiting to see what highly touted redshirt freshmen Cyler Miles and Jeff Lindquist can bring to the table since they signed with the Huskies in 2012 and after a redshirt season for both, many think that one of the two will step up and at least challenge Price for the starting position.

Despite all of the hype around Miles and Lindquist, Price is still without a doubt the starting quarterback going into spring and for good reason. Price has commanded the Husky offense the past two seasons and knows Steve Sarkisian's offense better than anyone else. He had one of the best statistical seasons ever by a Husky quarterback in 2011 and has shown that when healthy and in the zone, he can be very dangerous - case in point, his seven touchdown explosion against Baylor in the 2011 Alamo Bowl. If Price can show up and continue to the be the great practice player he supposedly has been since being named the starter, there is no reason that he shouldn't have the position on lock down by the end of spring sessions.

Regardless of whether or not Price can do this, a clear cut number two quarterback will at least need to be established, especially with Price's chronic injuries and small frame. Miles and Lindquist are similar quarterbacks who are big, have strong arms and are serious threats when they decide to run the ball. Both appear to have much higher physical ceilings than Price, but haven't taken a live snap and assuredly need to get acclimated more and more with the offense. It sounded like Miles may have had a slight lead on Lindquist in last season's practices, but that may have just been speculation and there should be a much clearer picture after spring.

Though most have speculated that Miles and Lindquist are the only quarterbacks on the Husky roster that can challenge Price or grab hold of the backup spot, sophomore Derrick Brown is the only quarterback other than Price that has any playing experience. Brown is huge at 6'2 245 and has a big arm, but didn't really impress in his limited mop up duty in 2012 and wasn't nearly has hyped as Miles or Lindquist coming out of high school. However, Brown was the official back-up in 2012, so the job will be his to lose this spring.