UNI's next quarterback?

      Washington's Zach Davis could soon be leading the University of Northern Iowa football team up and down the fake turf at the UNI-Dome. Davis verbally committed to play for the Panthers on Monday, and could be the school's starting quarterback by 2008.

      UNI gave Davis a full scholarship with the hopes that he could replace current quarterback Eric Sanders, who will be a senior next season. Davis would redshirt next season.

      "They don't usually give full rides very often," Davis said. "But they're hoping I can step up and be a four-year starter for them."

      Davis passed for 2,166 yards and 23 touchdowns during his senior campaign this year, leading Washington to a 9-2 record and the Class 3A state quarterfinals. He also rushed for 645 yards and six touchdowns.

      As a junior, Davis threw for 1,543 yards and 16 touchdowns. He finished his career with 3,833 passing yards and 40 touchdowns, and had a 16-5 record as the Demons' starting quarterback.

      Davis chose UNI over Iowa, South Dakota State and St. Cloud State. The determining factor for Davis was where he could get the best education. Davis will be an education major at UNI.

      "The most important thing was that in my field, education, they're a really good school, because I want to get a good education wherever I go," he said. "And I want to get my masters so I can be a principal and a P.E. teacher. I talked to an education professor at UNI, and I liked what they had to offer. That's what led me to go there."

      The University of Iowa wanted Davis as a defensive player. Davis played both ways for the Demons throughout his high school career, and was a first team all-state selection by the Iowa Newspaper Association as a linebacker. Davis notched 79 tackles, recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass during his senior season. As a junior, Davis was also a first team all-state selection on defense.

      But Davis had his heart set on playing quarterback.

      "UNI gave me a full scholarship and they wanted me to play quarterback," Davis said. "That was another thing that led me there because I get to play my favorite position."

      But Davis will also get the opportunity to play for one of the best Division IAA programs in the nation. UNI advanced to the national title game in 2005 before falling to Appalachian State. The Panthers went 7-4 this season.

      "UNI's just not any Division IAA football program," Washington head football coach Jason Ganoe said. "Year in and year out they're making a run at the national championship. He could have a lot of success with the Panthers."

      Davis plans to officially sign with the University of Northern Iowa on Feb. 6.