Why Bryan Bennett Shouldn’t Transfer

Attention will be focused on Marcus Mariota entering into the season opener against Arkansas State, but that doesn’t mean that backup Bryan Bennett should be tossed aside. Neither should Bennett focus his attention on finding a different school.

In an article from The Oregonian, Bennett is obviously disappointed about not landing the starting gig.

“…It doesn’t mean I’m going to stop working,” said Bennett in the article. “I’m not going to stop grinding, I’m not going to stop trying to get after this thing.”

He’s only had a small window to show Ducks fans what he’s capable of. Beating Colorado was good, but nine other teams did too.

This year’s spring game was probably the worst thing that happened to him. Chip Kelly has closed off access to all media for practice, and without that visual aid all there is to talk about is what’s coming out of the coaches’ mouth and Mariota looking fantastic in his debut.

Now the speculation begins of Bennett possibly completing his dream somewhere else. “Not right now” is the current response, but the Ducks should hope that feeling is cemented.

When two players are capable of starting for a team that’s ranked in the top five, obviously both have the potential to start at many other programs. But with Bennett, he’s been under Chip Kelly’s system for over two years after red-shirting his freshman season.

Having that knowledge, there would be no worries if Mariota ever struggles or gets injured. And under Kelly, Oregon has had their share of quarterback injuries. It’s the gamble of running such a high-octane offense.

Bennett wants to play, but it’s simply not worth transferring. The spotlight of Oregon being a national contender and being in a battle for starting quarterback already has his name out there, and he will instantly garner the headlines if he has to fill in.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor for Autzen Zoo, follow the site on Facebook and Twitter. Read his other work on the Iowa State blog, Clones Confidential, and Lacrosse the Web.