Roper to Transfer from Ducks' Football Program
University of Oregon quarterback Justin Roper has decided to transfer from the Ducks’ football program and has been granted his release, according to first-year head coach Chip Kelly Saturday.
The 6-6, 204-pound Georgia native started Oregon’s first three games a year ago before suffering a knee injury in overtime at Purdue, forcing him to miss the next four games. Once healthy, the junior-to-be was never able to regain his starting slot and had emerged from spring drills behind starting quarterback Jeremiah Masoli.
Roper finished last year completing 48 of 91 passes for 610 yards and three touchdowns in six appearances in addition to adding 85 yards and one score on the ground. He also enjoyed an outstanding Spring Game per-formance earlier this month, completing 22 of 34 passes for 301 yards and three TDs to lead the Green Team to a 21-14 win over the Ducks’ first-team offense.
But Roper will best be remembered for guiding Oregon to a dominating 56-21 Sun Bowl win over South Florida in his collegiate starting debut to cap the 2007 season. He completed 17 of 30 passes for 180 yards and a bowl-record four touchdown passes. He ends his Oregon career completing 80 of 152 passes (52.6%) for 952 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions.
“Justin is a true competitor just like any other high-caliber athlete who wishes to be out on the football field as much as possible,” Kelly said. “I certainly can’t fault him for that. I wish him nothing but success wherever he decides to go.”
After redshirting as a true freshman during the 2006 season, Roper will have two years to complete his final two seasons of eligibility.
The 6-6, 204-pound Georgia native started Oregon’s first three games a year ago before suffering a knee injury in overtime at Purdue, forcing him to miss the next four games. Once healthy, the junior-to-be was never able to regain his starting slot and had emerged from spring drills behind starting quarterback Jeremiah Masoli.
Roper finished last year completing 48 of 91 passes for 610 yards and three touchdowns in six appearances in addition to adding 85 yards and one score on the ground. He also enjoyed an outstanding Spring Game per-formance earlier this month, completing 22 of 34 passes for 301 yards and three TDs to lead the Green Team to a 21-14 win over the Ducks’ first-team offense.
But Roper will best be remembered for guiding Oregon to a dominating 56-21 Sun Bowl win over South Florida in his collegiate starting debut to cap the 2007 season. He completed 17 of 30 passes for 180 yards and a bowl-record four touchdown passes. He ends his Oregon career completing 80 of 152 passes (52.6%) for 952 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions.
“Justin is a true competitor just like any other high-caliber athlete who wishes to be out on the football field as much as possible,” Kelly said. “I certainly can’t fault him for that. I wish him nothing but success wherever he decides to go.”
After redshirting as a true freshman during the 2006 season, Roper will have two years to complete his final two seasons of eligibility.
-- GoDucks.com --
