After losing starting job, Oregon State QB Marcus McMaryion opts to transfer
Less than a week after losing the Oregon State quarterback competition, Marcus McMaryion is leaving the program.
The school announced McMaryion’s decision Sunday, five days after head coach Gary Andersen declared junior college transfer Jake Luton the team’s starting quarterback when the season begins. McMaryion started six games (including wins over Arizona and Oregon) for the Beavers in 2016 and appeared in seven games, including one start, in 2015.
[Now’s the time to sign up for Fantasy Football! Join for free]
“After much thought, consideration, and discussion with my family I would like to announce that I am transferring from Oregon State,” McMaryion said in a university release. “I want to thank the fans of Beaver Nation, the coaching and academic staff, and my teammates for a great three years. As I close this chapter of my life as a graduate, the next chapter awaits. It has been a privilege representing this program on and off the field. For my OSU brothers on the field, remain 11 strong and have a great season.”
McMaryion already earned his bachelor’s degree from Oregon State in just three years, so he will be immediately eligible wherever he lands with two years of eligibility remaining. He could be an intriguing late summer pickup for a team with quarterback issues.
“Marcus has contributed much to our program on and off the field during his time here,” Andersen said. “We support him in his decision and wish him well as he continues his career on the field and in his studies.”
McMaryion took over for the injured Darrell Garretson last season and started the final six games of the year, throwing for 1,286 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. In 2015, McMaryion threw for 403 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He also combined for 103 yards and two touchdowns rushing at Oregon State.
Behind Luton, McMaryion and Garretson were still battling for the No. 2 job this week in practice. Now that role will go to Garretson with walk-on Conor Blount and three-star freshman Aidan Willard also in the mix. Garretson, a Utah State transfer, threw for 617 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions and added 174 yards and three scores on the ground in 2016.
Luton, a 6-foot-7, 234-pound transfer from Ventura Community College, put up huge numbers in 2016 — 3,551 yards and 40 touchdowns — and earned JUCO All-American honors. He will be a redshirt junior for the Beavers this fall.
Oregon State opens its season at Colorado State on Aug. 26.
For more Oregon State news, visit BeaverBlitz.com.
– – – – – – –
Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
