SEATTLE – Washington football coach Tyrone Willingham said Monday that he will evaluate the quarterback situation this week as the Huskies have lost all three games that Carl Bonnell has started since taking over for the injured Isaiah Stanback.
But, Willingham said, if Washington were to play a game today, Bonnell would be the starter.
“We’ll look and see,” Willingham said. “If you said today we’ll play a game, Carl would start. But we’ll look and see. We’ll go through the week to see how it works out.”
Washington (2-5 Pacific-10, 4-6 overall), which has lost five in a row, plays host to winless Stanford (0-6, 0-9) at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Husky Stadium.
Willingham said the decision on who would start would be between Bonnell and Johnny DuRocher and that Jake Locker is not likely in the picture.
“Each game the window gets smaller,” Willingham said of playing Locker. “I would say it’s probably out the window. I don’t think at this point you take away what the future is for two ball games or three.”
Of course, Willingham followed that statement up with a, “But…” apparently leaving open the possibility that if both Bonnell and DuRocher were injured, it’s possible he would go to Locker rather than walk-on Felix Sweetman.
As for Bonnell, he said he is feeling fine after taking a blow to his sprained non-throwing shoulder on the final play against Oregon. He walked off the field holding the arm but said he feels OK and is ready to practice.
After a solid first start against California in which he had 348 yards of offense, Bonnell’s production has fallen off the last two weeks. After going 9-for-23 for 67 yards and running for 44 against Arizona State, he was 15-for-34 for 125 yards and had minus-18 yards rushing against the Ducks. He has eight interceptions in three starts.
In his only action of the season, DuRocher was 4-for-8 for 40 yards and a touchdown in relief of an injured Bonnell against Arizona State.
The rest of the offense certainly hasn’t helped Bonnell. Washington has been unable to generate much of a running game the last two weeks and receivers had several drops against Oregon. But Bonnell said he is trying to stay positive and provide a good influence for the rest of the offense.
“I’m not going to lie, I’m very frustrated out there,” Bonnell said. “When you’re the quarterback and you’re not moving the ball, a lot of that is on your shoulders. But I try to stay positive and keep the guys positive.”
Still, Willingham said he is ready to take a look at the position and see if a change needs to be made.
“We’ll see how they work this week,” Willingham said. “We haven’t made any decisions about the snaps (in practice). … Right now, Carl is the starter.”
James ready to go? Willingham said he anticipates that senior tailback Kenny James will be ready to play this week after missing the last two games with a sprained ankle. James is listed as the co-starter with Louis Rankin on the depth chart. Of course, coaches anticipated James would be ready against Oregon and though he warmed-up, he did not play. Thus, Willingham said James’ status is still, “day-by-day.”
Walker OK: Willingham said he also anticipates that starting right guard Clay Walker will be ready to play after spraining his ankle against Oregon. But Willingham also considers Walker “day-by-day.” If Walker doesn’t start, it’s likely that sophomore Casey Bulyca, who saw his first playing time for the UW last week, would start.
Wells probably out: Free safety Jason Wells is expected to miss his second week in a row with an injured knee.
“I’m saying no right now, he’s saying yes,” Willingham said.
Chris Hemphill is listed as the starter at free safety this week after having a career-high 14 tackles, picking off a pass and recovering a fumble last week. Mesphin Forrester, who was listed as the starter last week, is the backup to Hemphill.
Ala’s status in doubt: Willingham said he expects senior defensive end Brandon Ala to be out “for an extended period of time” with a dislocated left elbow suffered against Oregon. Willingham said the good news was that Ala did not chip the bone in the elbow which should help the healing process.
Greyson Gunheim is listed as the starter in Ala’s spot, with Donny Mateaki the backup. Caesar Rayford is the backup to Daniel Te’o-Nesheim at the other end spot.
Players of the Week: Willingham said the Players of the Week for the Oregon game were Hemphill on defense, center Juan Garcia on offense and Marlon Wood for special teams.
Player Walk: Washington will hold its second Husky Player Walk Saturday. The team arrives by bus and walks to the stadium through the E-12 parking lot, giving fans a chance to greet them as they enter Husky Stadium. The team is expected to arrive at 10:30 a.m., though heavy rain could change those plans.
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