Indiana State QB Adam to sit out 2016 season

May 19, 2016 - 4:56 PM (STATS) - Indiana State quarterback Matt Adam was continually eluding pass rushers last year. This year, he's been sacked by academic issues before the season even started.

Sycamores coach Mike Sanford announced Thursday the redshirt junior will sit out the 2016 season to focus on academics. Adam, from San Juan Capistrano, California, would not regain the season and potentially has one year of eligibility remaining.

"I'm disappointed that this situation has developed both for our sake and for Matt's," Sanford said. "Matt loves Indiana State and I know this has affected him deeply. We wish him nothing but the best going forward."

Adam ranked second in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in total offensive yards and third in passing yards per game last year, when Indiana State finished 5-6 overall and 3-5 in conference play. He was adept at escaping pressure, although the Sycamores ranked last in the conference in sacks allowed.

Isaac Harker, a redshirt sophomore, is the only returning quarterback on the roster. The Sycamores added two quarterbacks in the freshman class and could look to sign a transfer.