Wildcats Welcome Graduate Transfers Ramsey and Adams
EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern has announced the additions of graduate transfers quarterback Peyton Ramsey and punter Derek Adams. Both student-athletes are immediately eligible and have one year of eligibility.
“We are thrilled to welcome Peyton and Derek to our football family,” said Dan & Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald. “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.”
Ramsey, who graduated in May from Indiana University with a secondary education degree, appeared in 32 games in three seasons for the Hoosiers, making 23 starts. During his time in Bloomington, Ramsey completed 66.5% of his career pass attempts for 6,581 yards and 42 touchdowns, while rushing for 832 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native was named honorable mention All-Big Ten (media) in 2019 after finishing second in the Conference for completion percentage (68%), fourth in yards per attempt (8.2) and fifth in passer rating (147.7).
“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 was a three-year starter at Kent State, twice earning All-MAC honors. Last season for the Golden Flashes, Adams averaged 43.1 yards per punt and placed 20 of his 59 punts inside the 20. His career long is a 77-yard punt he booted against Akron in 2017. The Manheim, Pa., native earned MAC East Division Special Teams Player of the Week honors four times during his career and left Kent State ranked third all-time in career punting average (41.7).
“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.”
Northwestern is scheduled to open the 2020 campaign with a Big Ten Conference showdown at Michigan State on Saturday, Sept. 5. Kick time in East Lansing will be announced at a later date.