Huskies see encouraging signs with Price

SEATTLE – The first full season as a starting quarterback went about as well as anyone could have expected for University of Washington sophomore Keith Price last fall.

Now, the Huskies are hoping to see what he looks like while playing with two legs.

A phenomenal first season as starter was plagued by minor knee injuries that hobbled Price but didn’t necessarily water down his production. A full month of inactivity helped the junior-to-be get his legs back, and the Huskies are expecting even bigger things from Price in the fall.

Coach Steve Sarkisian and Price said the quarterback had a clean bill of health when spring practices opened last week. Price opened Monday’s practice with protective brace on his left knee but ditched it midway through the session. A few minutes later, he broke off a long run on a quarterback scramble.

“I thought he looked explosive,” Sarkisian said after the Huskies opened the spring season with a Monday morning practice. “I thought he looked strong.”

The spring season has provided some encouraging signs in regards to Price’s health, but that’s only a small step toward the Huskies’ eventual goal.

“The key for Keith isn’t this time of year,” Sarkisian said. “In my mind, I’m thinking October. How do we keep building him up to stay strong for an extended period of time? That’s going to be a continued focus with him – in the training room, and as we practice.”