Former Nebraska quarterback Patrick O'Brien has found a new home, announcing Friday that he will continue his career at Colorado State.
I am so thankful to be given another opportunity to play football at another amazing university. With that I am excited to announce my commitment to Colorado State. pic.twitter.com/gowLL8oMXZ
— Patrick O'Brien (@oneandonlyPOB) June 8, 2018
O'Brien will have to sit out the 2018 season barring any sort of application for a waiver from the NCAA of its standard transfer rule, but he should find an offense that's suited to his skill set. The Rams have gone 7-6 each year in three seasons under Mike Bobo. Colorado State ranked 20th nationally in passing yards per game last season and has ranked in the top 50 the past three years in passing efficiency. Bobo is a former Georgia quarterback.
O'Brien took part in spring drills at Nebraska before announcing his intention to transfer on April 12. A 4-star quarterback from California in the 2016 class, O'Brien redshirted his freshman year then appeared in four games in 2017 as a backup to Tanner Lee.
His most extensive action came in a 54-21 loss at Minnestoa. When Lee went down with an injury O'Brien played the second half, completing 12-of-18 passes (66.7 percent) for 137 yards. He finished the 2017 season 18-of-30 for 192 yards with one interception.
Colorado State must replace starting quarterback Nick Stevens in 2018, the only player to attempt a pass for the Rams last season. Sophomore Collin Hill was thought to be the leading contender, but a spring knee injury led Colorado State to search the graduate-transfer market for an emergency option. Former Washington quarterback K.J. Carta-Samuels chose the Rams over UCLA and has one season of eligibility remaining.
Brandon is the Managing Editor for Hail Varsity and has covered Nebraska athletics for the magazine and web since 2012, Hail Varsity’s first season on the scene. His sports writing has also been featured by Fox Sports, The Guardian and CBS Sports.
