After Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. entered the transfer portal, many questions arose. The legality of his move is uncertain, and the program’s next step remains unclear. Given the unrest caused by his untimely announcement, it seems unlikely he’ll play for the team again. So, who will Jedd Fisch target to replace one of the nation’s best quarterbacks?
Deuce Knight
If you look at Williams and Deuce Knight, you see similarities in their skill sets. Both are hyper athletic dual threats with not only foot speed but also the agility and acceleration to score from anywhere on the field. However, two major differences exist between the talents.
First, Knight, at 6’4″, stands five inches taller, weighing 217 pounds, 27 pounds more than Williams. Next, Knight’s arm strength borders on the superb level. The only advantage Williams has is experience, as he started 16 games to Knight’s one. The lone obstacle in landing Knight is Mississippi.
Still playing in the College Football Playoff, the Rebels are also waiting on this year’s eligibility for starter Trinidad Chambliss. If the NCAA rejects his appeal for another season, Knight becomes their target. He grew up in the state. Auburn’s loss will be someone’s gain.
Amari Odom
At Kennesaw State, Amari Odom operated out of a spread scheme that emphasized pace and tempo. Under Fisch, the Huskies want to play the exact same way. Odom completed 64.9% of his passes, accounting for 26 touchdowns, with rushing scores accounting for seven.
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With two years of eligibility, Fisch could help develop Odom as he takes the reins in Seattle. How he would handle the weather difference could be the biggest factor, along with the elevation in competition. Odom held the No. 48 spot in PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Rankings. He could slide through the portal without much attention being paid to him, which helps UW.
Air Noland
The former South Carolina backup’s approach should remind UW fans of a legendary Huskies quarterback. With an angular frame and left-handed delivery, Air Noland has arm strength similar to Penix but lacks an injury history.
He is more of a classic dropback passer, which means Fisch would need to adjust the offense to fit Noland’s skill set. While Williams may reportedly receive a significant offer from LSU, Noland will likely be available from the transfer portal at a lower cost.
Jake Merklinger
Somehow, Tennessee allowed him to leave without a sizable offer. Starter Joey Aguilar is out of eligibility. Meanwhile, Seattle and Fisch could be what helps a player with three years of eligibility reach the next level.
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Jake Merklinger can move the pocket both vertically and horizontally. If the throw isn’t there, he will break the pocket and stride upfield. When he does throw, the ball is well-thrown, without much flutter, possessing excellent touch and velocity. Cutting throw the winds at Washington home games is crucial to success.
Beau Pribula, Missouri
Beau Pribula joined Missouri after two seasons as Drew Allar’s backup at Penn State. In ten games, he recorded 1,941 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions, and ran for 297 yards with six rushing touchdowns.
His dual-threat capability is likely to make him a valued prospect for his redshirt senior season. As a starting quarterback, Pribula had a 7-3 record during his one-year tenure at Missouri. According to multiple reports, the Tigers transfer was on campus visiting Washington on Jan. 7.
