Damion Hobbs leaves Oregon Ducks, heads back to Utah State

Most people are familiar with the Biblical account of the son of the wealthy man who left home and spent a few years abroad living the high life before returning penitently home to an overjoyed father. While the story isn't an exact parallel, it provides some insight into a current situation unfolding for the Utah State football team. Last year, Damian Hobbs was the talk of the town in Logan; he was a highly touted quarterback coming off a very successful senior year of high school at a prestigious football school in Texas. He had originally committed to Arkansas State to play for legendary coach Gus Malzahn, but when Malzahn left to coach at Auburn, the young star decided that USU was the place he wanted to be and committed to the Aggies shortly after.

All appeared to be ready for him to step in as the heir apparent to the highly acclaimed Aggie QB Chuckie Keeton. Then the Oregon Ducks came calling, and the star appeal was too much for Hobbs to pass up. He decommitted for the second time in the recruiting season, and finally landed in Eugene, Oregon. He redshirted his freshman year with the Ducks, and was in excellent position to compete for a starting role as a redshirt sophomore after Marcus Mariota graduates at the end of this year.

Then just a few days ago, Hobbs decided to transfer back to Utah State; the prodigal son, for reasons still unexplained, decided to return home. The Aggies have yet to kill the fatted calf to celebrate the return, but you can expect many fans will be willing to help get the party started.

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Notes: Hobbs will be required to wait one year before being eligible to play due to NCAA transfer rules. Upon receiving his eligibility at this season's end, he will be competing with a couple other up-and-coming QBs for the starting position; with Keeton graduating at the end of this year, his most likely competition will be Darrell Garretson, who played the last half of the 2013 season after Keeton went down with a season-ending injury.