ANAHEIM – Servite dual-threat quarterback Travis Waller, who is rated as a four-star prospect by Scout, Rivals and ESPN, said Oregon was a “dream school” for him.
Waller, who is going into his senior year, made the dream a reality when he announced his commitment to the Ducks on Tuesday morning at Servite.
“I knew it was Oregon once I visited,” he said. “I didn’t have an offer at the moment, but once I got that offer, I was like, ‘OK, this is my time,’ so I had to go in and take it right away.”
Waller’s final four schools were Oregon, Notre Dame, Northwestern and Ohio State.
The Ducks made an offer to Waller on June 21.
Waller, who passed for 1,669 yards, while rushing for 1,293 as a junior, appears to be an ideal fit for Oregon’s up-tempo spread offense.
Waller said he sought the advice of his mother and Friars coach A.J. Gass while making his decision.
“It’s all business, don’t take it personal,” Gass recalled telling Waller. “As much as everyone loves you during the process, once you get to school, you’re just another guy. Even at the quarterback position.”
Waller said he also spoke to UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley. Hundley gave him pointers about what’s necessary to be a great quarterback.
This is shaping up as a big week for Waller, who is one of 18 quarterbacks from across the country invited to compete in the Elite 11, which begins Saturday in Beaverton, Oregon.
Waller is the country’s fifth-best dual-threat quarterback according Rivals, and the sixth-best according ESPN and Scout.
Last season was Waller’s first full season as Servite’s starting quarterback. He burst onto the scene against Long Beach Poly when he passed for 144 yards and rushed for 176 yards as the Friars upset of Jackrabbits, 31-24. He wound up leading Servite to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Pac-5 Division playoffs.
Waller said he received many offers, including ones from Alabama, Washington and Penn State.
Contact the writer: amorales@ocregister.com
