closely with this position group than anyone out- side of the coaching staff. "Everybody has their own little thing; and they all bring a little something different to the ta- ble,'' said Frederick, Wisconsin's starting center. "They're all quarterbacks, which makes them a dif- ferent breed.''
T
Neither Phillips, nor O'Brien disagreed. "Ultimately, we're all working for the same goal;
while there can be only one of us out here, it's kind of unique from the other positions,'' Phillips said. "That's one of the biggest things: you can't be look- ing over your shoulder. But at the same time you want everybody to be successful.
24 » VARSITY AUGUST 9, 2012
ravis Frederick was more than happy to bring some context to Danny O'Brien, Curt Phillips and Joel Stave. Not only did he help recruit O'Brien — they're now roommates — but he works more
"We're all extremely competitive, but we find a way to get along.'' Added O'Brien, the Maryland transfer, "We get
the daily grind of what it's like to be a quarterback, so we always kind of connect with quarterbacks on a different level than other guys … we're always there for each other … we're very supportive of each other.
"The quarterback bond is something that's hard to describe to people.'' The common thread that shapes and defines competition at other positions is no different for O'Brien, Phillips and Stave — their No. 1 priority is to be the No. 1 quarterback in the Sept. 1 opener. "We all want to play; that's one big thing that we have in common,'' Stave confirmed. UW coach Bret Bielema would like to name a starter by Aug. 22, 10 days from the opener. He's not in a big hurry but he admitted, "If it happens before then, it's just because we feel comfortable''
