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Ex-California quarterback Zach Kline has informed Oregon St. he will transfer and become a Beaver.
Kline, from Danville, CA, was recruited by Oregon St., but signed with California in the Jeff Tedford era. As a red-shirt freshman, he lost the competition to become the Bears' starting quarterback to true freshman Jared Goff, but appeared in relief of Goff in 7 games this past season, including against Oregon St., in a game the Beavers won 49-17.
Kline came on in the 3rd quarter after Oregon St. had raced to a 35-3 lead not 5 minutes into the second half. Kline completed 11 of 16 passes, for 2 of his 3 touchdowns on the season, and 71 yards, and also ran 4 times for an additional 28 yards.
Despite out-performing the beleaguered Goff on more than one occasion, Kline never got a start in new coach Sonny Dykes' "Bear Raid" offense, as the California season spiraled down into a 1-11 season. After the disaster ended, Kline opted out.
"I just think from what the coaches have told me, I have a better opportunity somewhere else," Kline told the Bay Area News Group earlier this month.
"They put it to me straight and in a professional way, which I appreciated. I wish I could stay at Cal, but it's clear Jared is their guy. They told me, 'If you want to start, you should go somewhere else.' I need to find a place where that's going to be the case."
Kline, who is 6'2" and 200 lbs., completed 43 of 82 passes, for 443 yards, and 3 touchdowns. He did throw 4 interceptions, including one by the Beavers' Larry Scott. But the mobile Kline, who is more mobile than either Goff, and by a wide margin, Oregon St.'s Sean Mannion, was only sacked 4 times.
Kline will attend a junior college during winter and spring term, and then transfer to Oregon St. for either summer or fall term, and be on hand for fall camp. As a same level transfer, Kline must sit out the 2014 season, but will become eligible for the 2015 season, with 2 seasons of eligibility remaining.
If Mannion returns for his senior season in 2014, Kline could be competing with Brent VanderVeen for the Beavers' starting job in 2015.
Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com