The quarterback room for Northwestern football has officially received a much-needed infusion of talent. And experience.
In late January, Peyton Ramsey entered the NCAA transfer database. Two months later, the erstwhile Indiana quarterback committed to the Northwestern football program.
Monday, Northwestern formally confirmed Ramsey’s addition to its football roster. Also, former Kent State punter Derek Adams was added as well.
Both players come to the Wildcats as graduate transfers.
“We are thrilled to welcome Peyton and Derek to our football family,” said Northwestern head football coach Pat Fitzgerald in a statement. “The graduate education opportunities at Northwestern are unparalleled, as is the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college football. We look forward to welcoming them properly when we all return to Evanston to prepare for the 2020 season.”
Of the 32 games in which he played for the Hoosiers, Ramsey started 23 of those.
During his time in Bloomington, Ramsey completed 66.5% of his career pass attempts for 6,581 yards, 42 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. The Cincinnati native also ran for 832 yards and another 14 touchdowns. This past season, he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors after finishing second in the conference in completion percentage (68%), fourth in yards per attempt (8.2) and fifth in passer rating (147.7).
This past season, Northwestern was 126th (out of 130 FBS schools) in passing yards per game (117), 124th in completion percentage (50%) and dead last in passer rating (84.5). NU’s six touchdown passes in 12 games? 129th in the country.
“I would like to thank everyone at Indiana University for allowing me to live out my dream of playing college football,” said Ramsey. “I would especially like to thank my teammates that pushed me, encouraged me, and trusted me. Sometimes the road to realizing your dreams can take you in a different direction than you expected. I am grateful to Coach Fitz and his entire staff for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”
Adams, meanwhile, was a three-year starter for the Golden Flashes. He averaged 42 yards per punt in that span. Last season, the average was at 43.1.
Twice, Adams earned All-MAC honors.
“It has been one heck of a journey so far,” said Adams. “I am beyond grateful to Coach Fitz, Coach Genyk and the entire Northwestern Football program for providing an opportunity of a lifetime.”