When Washington Huskies starting quarterback Will Rogers is averaging 275 yards per contest and hasn’t thrown an interception over the first three games while completing over 77 percent of his passes, most would assume that a quarterback competition would be one of the last things discussed.
However, most teams don’t have a backup quarterback like freshman Demond Williams Jr., who Jedd Fisch’s coaching staff is extremely excited about.
While Rogers has been solid for the team statistically, against Washington State, most of the yards he piled up seemed empty. The Huskies struggled to finish drives and Rogers was often late getting through progressions or struggled to hit receivers who flashed open.
There is no doubt that Rogers’ veteran leadership and experience have endeared him to his teammates and the coaching staff, but Fisch appears to be looking for something more from the position.
Fisch and his staff understand the potentially dynamic impact that Williams can have on the offense. As a runner, he brings a component to the offense that Rogers simply cannot.
This has already been showcased this season as Williams has been utilized in certain running packages in specific situations, with Fisch adding that the Huskies average 9 yards per rushing play with him on the field.
The staff knows he is more than just a runner as well. On Monday, Fisch spoke about how he “kept him in because he is certainly an able passer” when breaking down the decision to leave him in the game after taking advantage of the specific running situation.
The Future
2024 All-American Demond Williams (@QBDwilliams1) throws his first collegiate touchdown pass.#PurpleReign ☔️ #AllAmericanBowl 🇺🇸
— All-American Bowl (@AABonNBC) September 1, 2024
Currently, the Huskies sit at 2-1, coming off a heartbreaking loss to in-state rival Washington State. Rogers is still the starter for now, but it would not be surprising to see Williams get worked in more often. Teams with talented freshman quarterbacks and stagnating veterans have shown a tendency to phase the older player out of the picture in favor of the shiny young gun.
If Williams does see an increase in his playing time, Husky fans will need to be prepared to ride the highs and low that come with a young quarterback. He has already shown his dynamic playmaking ability and live arm, but like most freshmen, he has also tried to do too much at times, thinking back to his fumble against Eastern Michigan when he attempted to run through a defender instead of sliding.
The Huskies are facing a critical point in their season with the beginning of Big Ten play. The next few weeks will determine the coaching staff’s approach to the rest of the year, so figuring out a plan at the quarterback position will be paramount for the offense.