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Times reporter Bob Condotta keeps the news coming about the Montlake Dawgs.

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August 6, 2008 1:38 PM

Fouch getting ready

Seemingly every year at this time, UW coach Tyrone Willingham lays out the possibility that the team could play more than one quarterback.

He did so again on Tuesday, which seems surprising in light of the obvious talent and value of starter Jake Locker.

But asked a question about backup Ronnie Fouch, Willingham said the Huskies may look for ways to get him into the game, saying it would "allow Jake to get some rest and put him (Fouch) in a more advantageous position'' for the future.

I'm not sure I'd hold my breath waiting for that to happen. It didn't happen either of the past two years when it seemed like it might have made more sense.

Still, Fouch said today the coaches have told him the same thing, holding out the carrot that if he performs well in camp, he could earn playing time that wouldn't be dependent solely on Locker's health.

"They've told me a little bit of that,'' Fouch said today. "They just want to see how camp goes, how ready I am, and take it from there.''

More likely, the Husky coaches want to give Fouch every motivation to get as ready as possible in case he is suddenly needed.

UW has had to give at least one start to its backup quarterback each of the last two seasons for health reasons, making the Huskies one of seven Pac-10 schools that had to dip into the well and give their backup at least one start last year.

The main thing Fouch may need to show UW coaches is improved accuracy after a spring filled with errant passes.

Fouch said he spent the summer working on quickening his release and making sure his feet were in the proper position.

"A lot of times I was taking too big a step when I throw, so it's just keeping my base and getting more power on my throws,'' he said. "I feel like it's helped me a lot. I'm throwing a lot better than I did during the spring.''

He also said he feels stronger. Still listed at 205, he said he added strength during the off-season, and a cursory glance at him appears to show that he's filled out quite a bit from when he arrived at UW prior to the spring in 2007.

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