Getty ImagesWhat began as a leg up in the quarterback competition in the spring has turned into a starting job for former Oregon State QB Ryan Katz.
Aztecs coach Rocky Long named Katz the team’s starting signal caller, per Scott Somer of AztecReport.com. However, it was not an obvious choice.
“I don’t think it’s a clear-cut decision,” Long said Monday. “But as I’ve told you, I believe that you have to name a starter so that he gets a lot of reps with the first team so that he’s sharp when he gets to the first game. I think you do a disservice when you alternate or don’t have a starter.”
Katz transferred to SDSU after the 2011 season, which he began as Oregon State’s starter before being promptly benched in favor of Sean Mannion. Since Katz has already graduated from OSU, he is eligible to play immediately.
Katz was originally one of three Pac-12 transfers to SDSU, the other two being former USC running back Dillon Baxter and receiver Brice Butler. Baxter would end up getting the ax from Long before ever getting a chance to take the field for his new team.
Good luck to Katz. I’m glad the Beavs aren’t playing the Aztecs this year. I’ll be rooting for him. Beat the Huskies!
Katz is a kid who handled the whole Oregon State thing very well. A classy kid who deserves a shot…hope he does well/