In the wake of Chris Harper‘s decision to transfer from Oregon back home to Kansas State, it was thought to be equal parts wanting to be closer to home and the fact that he was moved from quarterback to wide receiver.
As it turns out, it was more -- much more -- the former than the latter for Harper.
“I thought I was ready for a jump like that,” Harper told the Eugene Register-Guard. “Actually, I don’t think I was. Some people can handle that, some people can’t.
“Some people want to be far away because they have things back home they want to get away from. That wasn’t the case for me.”
While Harper insists that the opportunity to return to quarterback at KSU didn’t play a role in his return to his home state, it certainly didn’t hurt.
Harper was moved from QB to WR during the season last year, and responded with nine catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Still, he told The Register-Guard that he didn’t become completely comfortable with the position until this year’s round of spring practices.
Whatever the case may be, Harper continued to insist that his move to receiver played no role in his decision to transfer.
“That wasn’t an issue for me,” Harper said of the position change. “I’ve always said from the beginning, I was always comfortable playing football at Oregon. I had a great experience playing football at Oregon. There’s no hard feelings at all.”
Harper has spent the last couple of months working with -- hide the women and children! -- noted (notorious?) recruiter Brian Butler on the transition back to quarterback.