Oregon Ducks Hoping Dakota Prukop Can Be Vernon Adams 2.0, Just Sooner

Friday, December 18, 2015

Bryant Knox of GoLocalPDX Partner Site Oregon Sports News

Vernon Adams

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 former 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 it contention is the ultimate goal in 2016.

GoLocalPDX partner Oregon Sports News: Since 2011, Oregon Sports News has provided entertaining, hard-hitting local sports news & commentary every weekday. To read more from this author, check out Oregon Sports News by clicking here.

Related Slideshow: Oregon’s Top Pac-12 College Football Players

Here are some of the Oregon players who have managed to make it into the 2014 Top Pac-12 Players List.

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#22 Byron Marshall

College: University of Oregon

Position: Running Back

In 2013 he had 168 carries, 14 touchdowns, 13 catches, 155 receiving yards, and 1,038 rushing yards. It’s no wonder he makes it as #22 on this list. Not only do these stats make him a player to watch, but also a player with a lot of potential to climb the rankings.

Photo Credit: Scott Enyeart (Own Work) Live Link (Image Cropped)

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#19 Isaac Seumalo

College: Oregon State University

Position: Offensive Lineman

This Offensive Lineman managed to block QB Sean Mannion who set the Pac-12 single-season record with 4,662 yards passing. With his abilities to block in the manner of which he did makes him a prime candidate to possibly win the Rimington Trophy, Outland Trophy, and/or Rotary Lombardi Award.

Photo Credit: Karl Maasdam (Own Work) (Image Cropped) Courtesy Oregon State University

Prev Next

#10 Hroniss Grasu

College: University of Oregon

Position: Center

As a junior in 2013 he became one of three Oregon native players to be named All-Pac-12 two seasons in a row. He has managed to lead the offensive line to the conference’s number 1 rushing attack. Entering his final year at U of O, Grasu has started all 40 games of his career at UO making him one of the Duck’s greatest players.

Photo Credit: Daniel Hartwig (Own Work) Live Link (Image Cropped)

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#6 Sean Mannion

College: Oregon State University

Position: Quarterback

Ranking here for breaking the Pac-12 single-season record with 4,662 yards thrown, 35 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, this is a player the NFL is watching closely. Already sitting at #10 on the conference’s all-time passing list, it’s going to be a breeze for him to pass Matt Barkley’s record of 12,327 yards thrown.

Photo Credit: Karl Maasdam (Own Work) (Image Cropped) Courtesy Oregon State University

Prev Next

#4 Ifo Ekpre-Olomu

College: University of Oregon

Position: Cornerback

In 2013 he was the second Ducks player to have 84 tackles with 3 interceptions, and 9 passes defended. He is a force to be reckoned with. It has been unanimous that he is to be the 2014 Preseason All-American. It’s also been hinted that he may not last too long in the 2015 NFL draft.

Photo Credit: Daniel Hartwig (Own Work) Live Link (Image Cropped)

Prev Next

#1 Marcus Mariota

College: University of Oregon

Position: Quarterback

With stats such as completing 63.5% of his passes with 3,665 yards, 31 touchdowns, only 4 interceptions, rushing a total of 715 yards with 9 touchdowns, this makes him a hot candidate for the NFL. He has managed to make U of O one of the Pac-12 favorite college teams as well as a national title contender. He has also set a U of O single-season record throwing 4,380 total yards and set a Pac-12 record by attempting to throw 353 consecutive passes without interception. He is also in the running to win the Heisman Trophy as a 1A option.

Photo Credit: Scott Enyeart (Own Work) Live Link (Image Cropped)