Huskies go to freshman Bonnell at QB

SEATTLE – Washington football coach Keith Gilbertson said Monday redshirt freshman Carl Bonnell will be the starting quarterback when the Huskies visit Stanford this weekend.

Casey Paus, a junior who started the first three games, is still expected to play, but now is considered the backup.

“We labored on these thoughts,” Gilbertson said. “I’d like to see a guy go in as the starter and stay there. Obviously, we’re struggling offensively.”

The demotion came as a surprise to Paus, who was informed by a school publicist when he arrived for Washington’s weekly round of interviews with reporters. He was 10 of 26 for 130 yards with no interceptions in the first half at Notre Dame.

“It’s not really up to me,” Paus said. “I thought I played pretty well. Unfortunately, wins are what matter.”

Gilbertson said he made the decision after meeting with his offensive coaches.

“I don’t want anyone to feel I don’t think Casey Paus isn’t a great player or that I don’t have confidence in him. I do,” Gilbertson said. “I just think this is the best thing for our offense right now.”

Bonnell, who saw mopup duty in the opener against Fresno State, was 7 of 18 for 93 yards with one interception against the Irish. Except for an interception where he lofted the ball like a punt, the coaches liked Bonnell’s effort, Gilbertson said.