Washington’s quarterback transition wows teammates, coaches

It took one series for Latravis Washington to become comfortable in a system he's known for less than a month.

After that first series, the former linebacker led his first touchdown drive as quarterback for the Cornhuskers.

After Saturday's annual Red-White Spring Game, there was a general consensus on Washington's first public appearance as a Nebraska quarterback: Not bad.

"I feel awesome," Washington said. "It was a great experience. After that first series, I really calmed down and managed the game a little more."

Washington managed to lead the upstart White squad to an early 10-0 lead against a Red team led by quarterback Zac Lee.

Washington had the White team poised to knock off the Red squad for the first time since 2005 until Lee made his presence felt.

The junior led the Red team to 31 consecutive points on the White's defense before they tacked on one late touchdown in a 31-17 win for the Red.

After the game, NU coach Bo Pelini made his first real comments about the competition between Lee, Washington and the other quarterbacks.

"I thought Zac played well and had a great spring. He's clearly ahead." Pelini said. "We're young at the other spots behind him. Latravis came a long way (from) where he started as a linebacker about a month ago."

Washington said he knows he has a long way to go to be tabbed the NU starting quarterback but seems willing to take on the fight.

"All I can do is just put my play on the field and just go from there," Washington said. "It would be a wonderful deal for me to back up Zac Lee or even compete for the starting job — everybody wants to go for the starting job. That's why I'm here — I'm competitive."

Nebraska will have some thick competition on its hands over the summer and come fall.
Kody Spano is expected to be healthy and return to the team in late summer after tearing his ACL this spring.

Cody Green will also be in the mix as a true freshman.

It's ultimately likely that some redshirts will be handed out. Washington, who is eligible to redshirt, has seemed open to the idea, as has Green.

Although there's still much to learn, both teammates and coaches can't stop raving about how quickly Washington has progressed in the system.

"He's come a long way," Lee said. "He decided to move from linebacker to quarterback a day before spring ball, so he played well out there. He kept his composure and did really well."

Pelini is also optimistic about the new quarterback but refuses to venture in speculation beyond the present.

"Obviously (offensive coordinator Shawn Watson) has done a great job bringing him along, but he's got a long, long, long way to go," Pelini said. "This guy hasn't taken a snap in a few years, and it's a testament to him and the hard work he's put in."

The Husker summer is officially here for the football team, and Washington will join his teammates back in the weight room to train for fall camp.

Washington is considered by both coaches and teammates to be a bit too unfamiliar to truly compete for the starting job, but it hasn't discouraged him one bit.

Had he entered the program as a quarterback instead of a linebacker, it could be a much different story. But Washington said he doesn't regret at all the path he has taken to where he is today.

"Things happen for a reason," Washington said. "God put me in this situation, and I'm just taking it and going with it."

spencerschubert@dailynebraskan.com