SEATTLE — Washington head coach Chris Petersen will begin his first spring practices with the Huskies without quarterback Cyler Miles, the backup to Keith Price last season.
Petersen suspended Miles and wide receiver Damore’ea Stringfellow indefinitely in February for an undisclosed violation of team rules. Miles and Stringfellow remain part of Washington’s roster but Petersen said Monday there is nothing new on their status with the team.
“There has been no talk of those guys. They haven’t been here. We’ve moved on and we’re going. It’s not about those guys. It’s about the guys in the room,” Petersen said. “We’ll just let that play out and see how it goes.”
Miles appeared to be the successor to the graduating Price entering the offseason. He served as Price’s backup last season, appearing in eight games with one start. Miles went 37-of-61 for 418 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions on the season.
Stringfellow made three starts while appearing in 12 games as a freshman. He caught 20 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown.
Redshirt sophomore Jeff Lindquist and redshirt freshman Troy Williams will be the only quarterbacks taking snaps as spring football gets underway Tuesday.
“It’s great for them,” Petersen said. “They are going to get all kinds of reps but you would probably like a little more depth as a coaching staff.”
Petersen is looking forward to his first chance to work with his new team after spending 13 seasons with Boise State as a head coach and offensive coordinator.
“I can’t wait to get out there and see this,” Petersen said. “We haven’t been able to do any football. It’s all been weightlifting and running liners.”
Petersen said it will be a clean slate for the players in the program as they will have a chance to leave their mark with the new coaching staff.
“We don’t know anything. Come show us. I think that can be a really healthy, good thing,” Petersen said.
Guard Dexter Charles (shoulder), wide receiver Kasen Williams (foot/leg) and walk-on receiver Taelon Parson will not take part in practices due to injuries. Tackle Micah Hatchie, defensive end Cory Littleton, linebacker Scott Lawyer, safety Kevin King and running back Ryan McDaniel will be limited.
Petersen said he expects Williams to be back to full speed by summer.
Wide receiver DiAndre Campbell and defensive end Andrew Hudson are both back with the team this spring. The school had announced at the end of last season that both players would be moving on despite having eligibility remaining. The two were even honored as seniors during Washington’s final home game against Washington State.
But Petersen invited them back and they jumped at the opportunity.
“I’m excited about those guys,” Petersen said. “They’ve been really good in the weight room and really good in the locker room. Those are the type of guys we’re all about.”
