Coach Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies are in the unique position of having to play two quarterbacks. Not because either is struggling like Husky fans got to see when the Michigan Wolverines came to town, but rather because they are both talented enough to see the field.
However, fifth-year senior Will Rogers and true freshman Demond Williams Jr. possess very different skill sets and, obviously, levels of experience. Rogers has been very successful in his only year at the helm for the Huskies, throwing for 1,625 yards, which is No. 2 among Big Ten quarterbacks, and 12 touchdowns with just 1 interception.
But Fisch knows that he needs to prepare for the future and has made sure Williams is as prepared as possible without taking his starter out of a rhythm. Some of that has come from two quarterback packages, but the former four-star recruit has played in every game in a variety of situations that should help him prepare to take the starting job in 2025.
“He’s getting about exactly what I was hoping for, which is about 12 plays a game, which would put him at about 150 plays at the end of the regular season,” Fisch said of Williams’ playing time. “That would allow him to walk into next year with incredible confidence that he’s kind of hit on all marks. This past game, we played him in 4-minute. So we played him at the end of the game, we played him at the end of the [first] half, we played him at all different spots of the game.”
Williams has impressed whenever he’s been on the field with his dynamic rushing ability, collecting 110 yards on 19 carries, an average of 5.8 per rush, and completing 82.4 percent of his passes for 171 yards and a touchdown.
“His passing, he’s becoming more and more confident in the route concepts,” Fisch continued. “He throws a beautiful ball, so that’s not going to ever be the issue, the physical talent. It’s just continuing to learn the offense, and he works extremely hard.”
Williams has done an impressive job learning the offense and converted a crucial third and six against Michigan, completing a quick slant to wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter, and gives the Huskies an exciting change of pace whenever he’s in the game. And from Fisch’s comments, the freshman will be utilized in every game this year.