JC QB Adam Ernst is latest to commit to Gophers

6-1, 210 pound quarterback Adam Ernst of Mt. San Antonio (CA) CC has committed to the Gophers after visiting the campus this weekend. Ernst led the Mounties to a 10-2 mark and a spot in the semifinals of the Southern California Regional football playoffs. He completed 176 of 293 passes for 2,243 yards and 19 touchdowns. Ernst was named first-team All-Mission Conference American Division. He started his career at California.

I caught up with Mike Ernst to get the latest news on his son’s commitment.

Adam signed with California out of high school after being named first-team All-Serra League as a junior and senior for Anaheim (CA) Servite. He played in the same conference as USC’s Matt Leinart. Ernst picked the Golden Bears over Montana. He redshirted as a freshman as the team finished just 1-19. The team’s poor play cost head coach Tom Holmoe his job and he was replaced by Jeff Tellford.

Ernst threw a 57-yard touchdown in the spring football game, but fellow quarterback Kyle Boller was the standout, completing 10-of-11 passes on the afternoon for 154 yards. Boller eventually became a first-round pick by Baltimore. Ernst decided to transfer after the season.

Mike Ernst admitted that he was surprised that things did not work out at California after playing well in the spring game, but that the coaching change prompted his son to look elsewhere.

Adam transferred to nearby Mt. San Antonio (CA) CC, which is roughly 20 minutes away from their Orange, Calif., home. He suffered an injury to his left (non-throwing) after the second game and was given a medical redshirt. Ernst is expected to have three years of eligibility, although that may need further clarification.

The mid-year JC signing period is December 17th through January 15th. Ernst would be able to compete in the spring football practice. Bryan Cupito is the lone veteran QB on the roster with Pete Martinsen leaving the program recently. Minnetonka (MN) Hopkins QB Johnny Carlson will graduate early to compete in spring practice as well.

Ernst received an offer from the Gophers before his weekend visit. His father said that the Gophers’ needs at QB was appealing for his son. Southeast Missouri State and several other Division III schools expressed interest in Ernst. Gopher defensive coordinator Greg Hudson was responsible for Ernst’s recruiting.

Mike joined Adam on the visit and admitted that although he had been to Minnesota before, this was his longest trip to the Twin Cities.