Although Oregon still have the Alamo Bowl to play, the quarterback competition for the 2016 season is already heating up.
Four-star quarterback Tristen Wallace of DeSoto (Texas) High School flipped his commitment from the Ohio State Buckeyes to the Ducks on Sunday. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Wallace is rated the No. 7 dual-threat quarterback in the nation by ESPN and the No. 4 athlete in the nation by 247Sports.
Wallace is the third quarterback commitment in Oregon’s 2016 recruiting class. Four-star dual-threat quarterback Terry Wilson signed a financial aid agreement with Oregon on Dec. 4 and plans to be ready for spring practices. Sheldon High School pro-style quarterback Justin Herbert confirmed he’s “solid as ever” to join the Ducks despite the departure of former offensive coordinator Scott Frost.
Oregon had another 2016 commitment from four-star quarterback Seth Green, but Green officially flipped to Minnesota on Sunday after months of speculation. Surprisingly, however, Green cited Frost’s decision to become Central Florida’s head coach as his reason to return to Minnesota, where he grew up and played three prep seasons.
Wallace was one of several prospects Oregon hosted over the weekend. Three-star wide receiver Eddie McDoom and three-star offensive lineman Samuelu Poutasi, brother of Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Jeremiah Poutasi, both committed following their official visits. Four-star safety Lamar Jackson visited and named Oregon among his top five schools.
Also visiting was Montana State dual-threat quarterback Dakota Prukop, a potential graduate transfer from the same conference in which current Ducks quarterback Vernon Adams played three seasons for Eastern Washington. FOX reported Prukop will decide between Oregon and Alabama on Monday.
Oregon already received a commitment from four-star pro-style quarterback Ryan Kelley for the 2017 season. Kelley, ESPN’s No. 35 player in the country and Oregon’s highest rated commitment ever, confirmed he’s “still fully committed” after Frost’s exit.
Freshman dual-threat quarterback Travis Jonsen, who’s redshirting this season due to injury, was expected to take over the starting job next season, but now that’s not so clear. Also in the mix are redshirt freshman Morgan Mahalak, redshirt sophomore Taylor Alie, and redshirt junior Jeff Lockie.
In total, Oregon is set to have seven quarterbacks competing for the starting position next season. If Prukop chooses Oregon, make it eight.
Follow Kenny Jacoby on Twitter @KennyJacoby