When the clock strikes zero on Oregon’s January bowl game, the team from Eugene will officially be without its dual-threat starting quarterback. It will spend the dog days of the offseason evaluating a shiny new graduate transfer and putting a plan in place on how to recreate the success of the newcomer’s predecessor.
Sound familiar? We’ve heard this story before.
When Marcus Mariota made his departure to the NFL, Oregon welcomed in Vernon Adams, Jr. with instant gratification on everyone’s mind. The transfer from FCS Eastern Washington had all the tools necessary to lead the Ducks to another national championship appearance, but a delayed start to training camp and an early-season broken finger changed the way people viewed the team and its legitimacy.
While the gratification eventually came after winning six straight to end the year, it was anything but instant considering the team’s unexpected 3-3 start. Now, with Adams preparing for his final collegiate appearance, Oregon is set to welcome in another FCS transfer to keep momentum rolling into 2016.
Dakota Prukop, Oregon’s newest “free-agent” find, has made the announcement that he’s chosen green and yellow (and black and white and green and gray and camo and volt) over crimson. Although his spot in the starting lineup won’t likely be guaranteed entering camp (players such as Jeff Lockie and even Bralon Addison will try to make things interesting), the quarterback brings the dual-threat skill set that Adams has flashed throughout the second half of the year.
At 6’2”, Prukop brings size to the position. Combine that size with his speed and playmaking ability and you get someone who recorded 28 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns this year for the Montana State Bobcats.
The important difference to note between Adams’ arrival and Prukop’s is that the latter will have more time to adjust to the offense assuming there are no unexpected transfer complications. The delay in Adams’ arrival certainly played a monumental role in his comfort during the first few weeks of the season, and the team will be crossing its fingers that the newest QB avoids the injury bug as well.
If all goes according to plan, the Ducks should be right back in the thick of things when it comes to the national conversation. This team will once again have the tools to make an already exceptional newcomer feel at home, but putting it together right out of the gate will be necessary.
Finishing a season strong is crucial, but starting hot is just as important in college football. No other league puts as much value on individual losses as this one, leaving no room for error if contention is the ultimate goal in 2016.
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