DuRocher, Locker prepare to back up ex-backup

SEATTLE – Both Johnny DuRocher and Jake Locker say they are ready if called upon to play quarterback for Washington, although both say they have confidence that Carl Bonnell will lead the Huskies offense for the rest of the season.

With Isaiah Stanback’s season over with an injured foot, Bonnell shot up to the starting job and DuRocher and Locker are in competition to be the backup. DuRocher is listed as the backup, but coaches said both players will get snaps this week in practice.

“Jake and Johnny will get a little bit more reps, but Carl’s going to get the most reps because he’s the starter,” UW offensive coordinator Tim Lappano said. “We’ll go with Carl and see what happens.”

There are arguments to be made for both players. DuRocher is a junior who played in five games last season and has more experience. Locker is Washington’s heralded true freshman with athletic ability similar to Stanback. DuRocher has seen few snaps in practice this year while Locker has seen plenty running the scout team.

“It’s a tough situation, but you have to make the best of it,” DuRocher said. “They have to make sure Carl gets ready and Jake gets ready. I just have to be ready to go if my number gets called.”

“I’m confident in my abilities,” Locker said. “It’s a different game and I haven’t had a chance to play in a big-time atmosphere like this. But I’m confident I’d be able to go out and move the ball (and) help our team.”

Both players say they’ve been happy with the way the season has gone because the Huskies have been winning. They’re both looking forward to getting more snaps in practice this week.

DuRocher said he doesn’t feel rusty but conceded that extra reps will help.

“It’s good to get those extra reps and get those plays during the week,” DuRocher said.

Lappano said that DuRocher’s lack of mobility will hurt him but said his experience is a plus. He said Locker hasn’t had much of a look in the Huskies offense, but he has been impressive on the scout team and has shown he knows the offense.

“As far as knowing the offense, understanding the offense, he’s right there,” Lappano said. “He understands what we’re doing.”

“I thought Jake was ready in August,” DuRocher said. “I still think he’s ready. …If he gets the opportunity to play, he’ll be ready.”

Lappano said he and Tyrone Willingham would have to decide “in the next week or two” whether to commit to redshirting Locker or playing him. Locker said he has no preference.

“I don’t think they’re going to throw anyone into a situation that hurts them or the team,” Locker said. “I feel like I’m ready to play but the coaches know. They’ve been doing this a long time, they’ve been around a lot of players.”