Wanted: quarterback/tackling dummy for target practice

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You know a program is desperate when, more than a month into the Pacific 10 Conference season, the coach advertises a tryout to fill an open roster spot ... at quarterback.

That’s what recently happened at Washington State, The Times’ David Wharton reports in his Pac-10 notebook, which soon will be posted at latimes.com

Because of injuries, the Cougars needed a quarterback to run their scout team -- a unit composed of reserves that emulates the upcoming opponent in scrimmages against the team’s top defense during practice.

The winner -- so to speak -- was Peter Roberts, a two-year starter at quarterback for Woodinville (Wash.) High.

But don’t worry too much for Roberts. The defense he’ll be going against is ranked No. 100 among the 119 teams that play at college football’s highest level.

-- Mike Hiserman