Quarterback Bryan Bennett transferring from Oregon

Oregon backup quarterback Bryan Bennett, who came into the 2012 season as the projected starter, has opted to transfer.

Bennett played a key role for the Ducks in 2011 after starter Darron Thomas was injured, but he lost out to Marcus Mariotta during the starting quarterback competition in fall camp. He did play in 10 games in 2012 and completed 20 of 37 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns. He also had six rushing touchdowns this season, including three in a 70-14 win over Colorado.

However, with Mariota holding a pretty firm grip on the starting quarterback position for at least the next couple seasons, Bennett saw the writing on the wall and went searching for a new opportunity.

A report from Duck Territory said Bennett would transfer to Southeastern Louisiana, an FCS school in the Southland Conference. Bennett has two years of eligibility remaining and would be eligible to play immediately.

“Bryan is an outstanding young man who certainly contributed to our success on and off the field in the three years he was a part of our program,” coach Mark Helfrich said. “He would have played a role in our fortunes in the coming years but in the end, I think it was his desire to play quarterback that led to him to seek an opportunity for more playing time elsewhere. We wish him nothing but success in the future and he will be missed.”

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