Oregon Loses Backup Quarterback to Transfer, Rodrigues Leaving Ducks

There is a time every year that a college football player for one reason or another sees the writing on the wall so to speak. There is one chance to make a good impression and in some cases lead a team on the field. Right now that responsibility for the Oregon Ducks falls on the shoulders of Starting Quarterback Marcus Mariota. Backup Signal Caller Jake Rodrigues has decided to leave the football program and transfer after a meeting with Oregon Head Coach Mark Helfrich, according to Comcast Sportsnet Northwest.

May 3, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Jake Rodrigues (3) runs the ball down field at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, as a Freshman Rodrigues completed three of six passes for a touchdown and an interception. The backup quarterback position was a heated topic heading into the Oregon Ducks Spring Game on May 3rd. Following a stellar one quarter performance from Mariota in the game, throwing nine for ten passes for completions for one hundred yards and two touchdowns both Rodrigues and Quarterback Jeff Lockie led their respective teams for three quarters. At the end of the game there was no clear standout to be the backup for the Oregon Ducks. Now that decision may be a little easier.

With Rodrigues departing the Oregon Ducks still have a stockpile of talent behind Mariota with Lockie, Damion Hobbs, walk-on Taylor Allie, and the addition of one of the top signal callers in the nation with Morgan Mahalack, rated number nine on ESPN’s list of dual threat qb’s for the 2014 Recruiting Class.

The Oregon Ducks will take the field at Autzen Stadium for the first game of the 2014 season on August 30th against South Dakota.

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