© Connor Halliday said he's put on weight and expects to compete for the starting job this fall (Photo: SWX)PULLMAN, Wash. -
Mike Leach hasn't said when he will name a starting quarterback for the Cougars, but former Ferris High standout Connor Halliday is expected to contend for the job.
Halliday, a redshirt sophomore, showed promise last year when he threw for nearly 500 yards against Arizona State. A week later, though, his season came to an end after suffering a lacerated liver.
Now a little heavier and a tad more experienced, Halliday is hopeful his off-season work will make him a contender with Jeff Tuel for the starting job.
"I gained about 20 pounds this summer – I'm up to 190 and I've never weighed that much before, so it's to have a little extra padding," said Halliday. "I'm throwing the ball the way I used to, so that's a good feeling."
Leach said Halliday simply needs more time.
"Connor needs to get more reps," said Leach. "[He] kind of took command of stuff. I thought he looked good today. Raw, but good."
The team put on full pads for the first time on Monday afternoon. They worked out on Rogers Field for about two hours.
