On the same day Washington lost an All-American linebacker to early-entry into the NFL draft, the Huskies lost a player on the other side of the ball some thought could become a future All-American.
In a press release announcing a trio of early signees, UW also announced that Troy Williams has decided to transfer out of the football program. Williams’ decision to leave UW appears to be a matter of the player computing the numbers at the position, and realizing the numbers didn’t add up in his favor.
Cyler Miles, the 2014 starter (for the most part), will return for another season. Jeff Lindquist, a four-star 2012 recruit, will be expected to compete for the starting job. Add in Jake Browning, one of the early signees who was also rated as the No. 8 pro-style quarterback in the country for the 2015 recruiting cycle, and Williams likely saw his days may be numbered because of numbers.
Williams was a four-star member of UW’s 2013 recruiting class, rated as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the country and the No. 11 player at any position in the talent-rich state of California. Arizona was a finalist along with UW, although it’s uncertain if the Wildcats will be an option this go-around. UCLA was also in the picture at one point.
After redshirting as a true freshman, Williams started one of the five games in which he played in 2014. The lone start, because of Miles’ concussion issue, came in a loss to Arizona State Oct. 25, a game in which he completed 18-of-26 passes for 139 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. He also had minus-8 yards on 10 carries.
