Tolzien signs with Chargers

Scott Tolzien was charging quickly Tuesday into his hopes of making a career for himself in the National Football League.

The former Fremd High School and University of Wisconsin star quarterback signed a free-agent contract with the San Diego Chargers during the post-lockout whirlwind of player activity.

The Chargers begin training camp today with player physicals and they’ll also have walk-throughs and on-field preparation before they begin practicing in pads Saturday. Their first preseason game is Aug. 11 at home against Seattle.

Tolzien and Philip Rivers are the only two quarterbacks under contract by the Chargers. Rivers has started the last five years and threw for 4,710 yards and 30 touchdowns last season.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Chargers would like to bring back veteran backup Billy Volek and don’t want to have a rookie start the season at No. 2 on the depth chart behind Rivers.

Tolzien was the 2005 Cook County honorary co-captain of the Daily Herald All-Area Football Team. He started his last two years at Wisconsin and in his career completed 68 percent of his passes with 32 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.

Tolzien led Wisconsin to the Rose Bowl last season and was the winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the top senior quarterback in college football.

Now Tolzien could be starting a career with the team Unitas ended his with in 1973.