For the second year in a row, the Wisconsin football team will welcome in a transfer quarterback.
Former Maryland quarterback Danny O’Brien has decided to transfer to Wisconsin with two years of eligibility. Like Russell Wilson before him, O’Brien is graduate transfer and will be able to play immediately for UW and vie for the starting position under center.
O’Brien’s decision was first reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, after two unnamed “college football sources” confirmed O’Brien’s intentions, while the Wisconsin State Journal quoted O’Brien’s high school coach, Todd Willert, about the quarterback’s decision process.
Shortly after, O’Brien’s commitment was confirmed in a news release from UW head coach Bret Bielema.
As a redshirt freshman at Maryland, he was named the Atlantic Coast Conference rookie of the year in 2010 after completing 192 of 337 passes (57 percent) for 2,438 yards and 22 touchdowns.
The 6-foot-2, 215 pound quarterback didn’t have the strongest outing last year after the Terrapins switched to spread offense. He completed only 150 of 266 passes for 1,648 yards and seven touchdowns. But with 10 interceptions to his name as well, O’Brien eventually lost the starting job.
“We’re excited that Danny has chosen to attend Wisconsin,” Bielema said in the statement. “The first thing we did when we were aware of Danny’s interest was to try and find out what type of person he was and if he would fit into our program. From our dealings with him and all the things I have heard from those who have been around him, he is a tremendous person and has great character. He had a fantastic visit and our current players who met him came away impressed. Having graduated from Maryland in just three years, you know right away that he is a smart kid.
“As is the case with any player who joins our program, we have not promised Danny anything other than the chance to come in during the fall and compete for the starting quarterback position. He understands that and is excited for that opportunity.”
O’Brien also expressed his excitement via Twitter, embracing one of Wisconsin’s most notorious traditions.
“I will always be a proud Terp alum, but am hungry to get after it and start my next chapter in Madison! Lots of hard work ahead. #JumpAround.”