Former Starter Brunell Is Ready and Waiting
While Washington charges toward a second consecutive Rose Bowl appearance and a possible national championship behind sophomore quarterback Billy Joe Hobert, Mark Brunell mostly stands by and watches.
The player of the game in the Huskies’ 46-34 victory over Iowa in January’s Rose Bowl, Washington’s former No. 1 quarterback underwent reconstructive surgery on his right knee last spring after he was injured in a scrimmage.
Thought to be out for the season, the junior from Santa Maria returned earlier than expected, but not early enough to challenge Hobert for the starting position. He has been used as a reserve in five of the Huskies’ eight games, completing 19 of 34 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns, with two interceptions. He has no illusions of replacing Hobert any time soon.
“He’s in control of the offense,” Brunell said. “He’s the guy.
“When I practice, I’m practicing for in case he goes down.”
And next spring?
“I’m going to do my best to get my job back.”
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
