STORRS, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut opens preseason practice Friday with a junior-college transfer as the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart.

Chandler Whitmer got the nod this week on the strength of his performance in UConn's spring game, in which he completed 18 of 27 passes for 187 yards

He is being challenged for the job by four players, including senior walk-on Johnny McEntee, the starter during last year's 5-7 campaign and true freshman Casey Cochran.

Cochran will be limited during the preseason after breaking the wrist on his non-throwing hand in July. Sophomore Scott McCummings, who was used extensively last season as a running threat, has been excused from the start of practice for personal reasons.

The Huskies' strength is expected to be defense, where they return eight starters.