ASU vs. Washington Scouting Report: QB Keith Price

Oct 5, 2013; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Keith Price (17) prepares to throw a pass against the Stanford Cardinal in the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY SportsIn the minds of many college football pundits, Washington’s Keith Price has always been a bit of an enigma. An accomplished passer and runner, Price has had an on-again, off-again career since arriving in Seattle in 2009.

After gaining experience as the Husky signal caller when Jake Locker was injured during his freshman year, Price has been the starter for the past three seasons. He looked promising as a sophomore before slumping in his junior year.

However, Price has found his stride as a senior leading coach Steve Sarkisian’s multi-faceted offense. He has completed 139 of 192 attempts this season for 1,576 yards. He has 12 touchdowns and four interceptions on the year. Price is averaging 262.7 yards per game. He has also proven adept at running the ball, with 136 yards and a touchdown.

Price put in a strong performance at Stanford last week, even though it came in a losing effort. The 6’1” 202-pound QB threw for 350 yards, completing 33 of 48 passes.

As a quarterback, Price’s best attributes are his overall athleticism and arm strength. He has the ability to push the ball down the field with ease and put passes into tight windows.

Last season, Price passed for 2,726 yards — sixth-most in UW history — and his 263 completions and 432 attempts both ranked No. 3 in school single-season history. While his numbers appeared sound, they were off the pace set in 2011, and his 13 interceptions and multiple lost fumbles were problematic, especially in losses to USC, Washington State and Boise State.

Price played in all 13 of Washington’s games in 2011 and was the starting quarterback in every game except Oregon State. He broke the UW single-season touchdown passes record with 33, surpassing the old record by five. His 3,063 passing yards ranked No. 2 in school history, and his 242 completions ranked No. 3.

In 2010, Price served as the Huskies’ No. 2 quarterback the entire season, playing in 8 of 13 games. He made his starting debut on the road at No. 1 Oregon and went 14-for-28 for 127 yards, no interceptions and a touchdown. He also had 13 carries vs. the Ducks.

Price participated on the Washington service teams in 2009, but didn’t see any game action and redshirted the season.

Price first showed his promise behind center at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, Calif. He completed 143 of 200 passes for 2,260 yards, 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions as a senior. In addition, he rushed for 579 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was named the Trinity League Co-Offensive Player of the Year as a senior, as well as the first-team quarterback on the CIF Southern Section All-Pac-5 team.