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Stanback to start against Air Force

Washington football coach Tyrone Willingham finally got the push he needed to pick a starting quarterback. The NCAA rule book helped. Willingham on Tuesday named junior Isaiah Stanback as the Huskies` starting QB. Washington opens the season Saturday against Air Force. At the same time, sophomore quarterback Johnny Durocher was determined to be ineligible for Washington`s first three games because of NCAA rules about transferring among colleges. Durocher will not be eligible to play until Sept. 24, when the Huskies host Notre Dame.

Durocher and Stanback had been battling for the starting role. Durocher originally signed with Oregon, but was redshirted his first year. He then transferred from Oregon to Pierce Community College where he earned his associate degree in one year, and subsequently enrolled at Washington. According to NCAA bylaw 14.5.6, one calendar year must elapse between the official withdrawal from the original four-year school and participation at the new four-year school. Durocher withdrew from Oregon on Sept. 20, 2004. Washington sports information director Jim Daves emphasized that no NCAA violations occurred, either by the school or by Durocher. Turner said that when Durocher announced his intent to enroll at Washington, John Morris, the UW`s senior associate athletic director for compliance, told Willingham that Durocher must sit out one year from his withdrawal at Oregon. Willingham believed that meant one academic year, not one calendar year.

The situation wasn`t noticed by Washington compliance officials until Monday afternoon, after Willingham released his first depth chart of the season and Durocher was listed as a possible starter. Willingham was notified, and the school confirmed the rule with the Pac-10 Conference, Turner said. The school believes Durocher did not violate any rules by practicing and can continue to practice with the team until he becomes eligible to play. Meanwhile, Stanback will start the second game of his career on Saturday. Stanback played in five games last year and started one, completing 23 of 68 passes for 389 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for two scores. Willingham said Stanback had grasped the offense a little better than Durocher, and that his athleticism and running ability were factors in the decision. Senior Casey Paus will back up Stanback, but Willingham said Durocher will retain the No. 2 spot when he becomes eligible.