University of Toledo coach Matt Campbell spent most of the summer racking his brain about what he should do with his quarterbacks.

The incumbent, Phillip Ely, had won the job in 2014 before sustaining a year-ending knee injury. In Ely's spot, Logan Woodside had done more than the Rockets could have asked, proving plenty capable of leading Toledo to a Mid-American Conference championship.

Both players had a legitimate claim to playing time. Campbell considered the same dual-quarterback dance that Ohio State coach Urban Meyer ultimately attempted given a similar situation.

“In a lot of situations you say, ‘Man, play them both.’ Gosh, that went through my head for a long time,” Campbell said.

When Campbell seriously thought about a 12-game season with Toledo's current roster, his instinct told him one quarterback was the only option. The Rockets chose Ely, leaving Campbell to tell Woodside he wouldn't be playing, which Campbell has called “one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.”

Woodside has not seen a snap during the 2015 season, yet continues to be one of Toledo's most important players. He serves as an apprentice offensive coordinator of sorts and an extra confidant for Ely.

The Rockets are 7-0 and ranked No. 20 with Ely in the center of it. Though Woodside is in the background, he has been one of Ely's biggest fans. The two text daily and meet at least once per week to dissect the upcoming game plan.

“Just by competing, we became even better friends,” Woodside said. “I've never been about me, I've always been about this team. I'm real excited about the national presence we're getting and that we're on this stage.”

More times than not, a player who saw extensive playing time and then lost the job is ripe to transfer. Woodside never considered leaving UT, saying he wouldn't want to play for any other coaching staff.

“That never came out of his mouth,” Campbell said. “And you'd understand [a transfer], right? You'd get it.”

If Ely can maintain good health this season, the Rockets plan to redshirt Woodside, who never had the chance as a freshman. Toledo needed Woodside to start one game as a freshman because of injury, robbing him of a year to stay behind and learn.

Though it's rare for a player with Woodside's resume, he now has a chance to learn by watching without pressure, something he never has experienced in college.

“He's been able to take a year and sit back and watch things from a different perspective,” said associate coach Jason Candle. “He can see how the speed of everything works when you're not out there with the bullets flying at you. It's certainly helped him in that way.”

Woodside went 8-2 as a starter last season, completing 62 percent of his passes with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Ely said having a player of that caliber on the sideline is reassuring.

“He's been a huge asset to this team,” Ely said. 

“Especially with a guy who's won so many games, we can really put a good vision together of what's going on the field.”

Ely served in the same role last season when Woodside was the one playing. The two tease Candle that they are now qualified to take his job.

Woodside made it clear that he wishes he were playing, but his happiness for his teammates' success is genuine. He said football is about roles, and he's content to serve his.

“I still am contributing, even though it's practice. I still feel like I'm one of the main leaders on this team even though I'm not on the field,” Woodside said. “I've really just kept my head down and kept working. I think it's going to pay off in the long run.”

In practice, Woodside is the sharpest he's ever been.

Ely is a senior this year, though he might earn a sixth year of eligibility from an NCAA waiver. When Woodside plays again — whenever that might be — Campbell said he's betting on something special.

The wait hasn't been easy for Woodside, but Toledo's coaches appreciate his selflessness and believe good things are in store for the junior from Kentucky.

“I'm so proud of him. I have as much pride for him as I do for anyone on the team,” Campbell said. “Genuinely, I really love that kid. I'm really grateful for everything he's done for our football program.”

Contact Nicholas Piotrowicz at: npiotrowicz@theblade.com, 724-6110, or on Twitter @NickPiotrowicz

First Published November 2, 2015, 5:00 a.m.