Stanford names Ryan Burns starting QB over Keller Chryst

After indicating he wouldn’t decide on a starting quarterback until both candidates showed what they could do in Stanford’s season opener, head coach David Shaw announced Wednesday that Ryan Burns is the starter.

While the decision is not locked in concrete, if Burns does well, he presumably would be the starter against USC on Sept. 17.

By making the announcement now, the quarterbacks and the rest of the offense will have a chance to adjust to their roles.

Burns said he took the promotion as a step in the process rather than a culmination of the position duel.

Burns, who grew up less than 30 miles from Hogan’s hometown of McLean, Va., played in a triple-option offense at Stone Bridge High School, so he had a big adjustment to make when he got to Stanford in 2013.

“So much of playing quarterback in our offense is pre-snap understanding of what we’re trying to do vs. the structure that presents itself defensively,” Shaw said.

The quarterback has “to recognize it, make a quick decision and put action behind that decision.”

Shaw said he and offensive coordinator Mike Bloomgren wouldn’t be limiting the offense to make things easier for Burns.

Tom FitzGerald is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.