With last season’s starting quarterback, Jordan Webb, benched for the 2013 season with a torn ACL, CU announced Monday morning that  Connor Wood will start against rival CSU on Sunday.

Junior quarterback Connor Wood throws a pass during the homecoming game against Stanford on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. (Kai Casey/CU Independent File)

Although Wood played in only seven games in the 2012 season, when he threw one touchdown and four interceptions, he stands as the only quarterback on the roster with a notable amount of college playing time.  Most of his time on the field last season resulted as an attempt to clean up the mess left after the first few quarters.

In the 2013 offseason, however, Wood impressed CU’s new offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren and far surpassed expectations. CU’s coaches named him the recipient of the Eddie Crowder Award for his leadership in spring practice and his teammates made him one of their six captains.

Wood’s closest competition for the starting position ahead of the season opener on Sunday is freshman Sefo Liufau. Despite never playing at the collegiate level, Liufau is a true athlete who can catch and throw exceptionally well.

However, a true freshman has never started the season for a Colorado team, and this season won’t be the first. Wood will take the field against CSU on Sunday, but there’s no doubt Buffs fans will see Liufau later in the season. 

Contact Staff Writer Alissa Noe at Alissa.noe@colorado.edu.