Post by Lawdog on Feb 1, 2011 13:35:43 GMT -5
Redshirt freshman quarterback Ryan Mossakowski is leaving Kentucky in hopes of finding more playing time at another school.
“It’s official,” Joker Phillips said yesterday.
Mossakowski was a four-star prospect from Texas when he signed with the Wildcats. He redshirted in 2009 and last season competed with Morgan Newton and Mike Hartline for the starting job. He wound up #3 in the pecking order and saw only clock-killing action last season. Newton was the Cats’ starter in the BBVA Compass Bowl following the suspension of Hartline.
“This is something I’ve been thinking about for a while, even before the bowl game,” Mossakowski said. “I talked with the coaches and they said the job would be open in the spring and I’d have a chance to compete. I just had to make the decision that I thought was best for me. I really have to go somewhere where I know there’s a 100% chance I’d get on the field.”
Fans don’t like that kind of talk, but let’s face it… football players put in a lot of hours of work in exchange for the fun of actually playing. Some players are fine with just being a part of the team. Others — like former four-star quarterbacks — want the rewards that go along with all the sacrifice.
Mossakowski has worked his way back from a torn labrum and shoulder surgery following his senior season of high school ball. It’s hard to fault him for wanting to find a place where he can play.
The quarterback has nothing but good things to say about UK on his way out the exit. “I have total respect for the coaching staff. And I’ll still be good friends with all the players. I’ve really enjoyed it here. I just want to be somewhere where I know I’ll get on the field.”
The QB’s father said good things as well. “There was a quarterback competition that was announced (after Hartline’s suspension), but I’m not sure there really was on,” Dan Mossakowski said. “In defense of those coaches, they have to do what they think is in the best interest of their program, so no hard feelings.”
In the spring it’s expected that Newton and freshman Maxwell Smith will compete for the starting quarterback job in Lexington. Advantage: Newton (based on experience).
“It’s official,” Joker Phillips said yesterday.
Mossakowski was a four-star prospect from Texas when he signed with the Wildcats. He redshirted in 2009 and last season competed with Morgan Newton and Mike Hartline for the starting job. He wound up #3 in the pecking order and saw only clock-killing action last season. Newton was the Cats’ starter in the BBVA Compass Bowl following the suspension of Hartline.
“This is something I’ve been thinking about for a while, even before the bowl game,” Mossakowski said. “I talked with the coaches and they said the job would be open in the spring and I’d have a chance to compete. I just had to make the decision that I thought was best for me. I really have to go somewhere where I know there’s a 100% chance I’d get on the field.”
Fans don’t like that kind of talk, but let’s face it… football players put in a lot of hours of work in exchange for the fun of actually playing. Some players are fine with just being a part of the team. Others — like former four-star quarterbacks — want the rewards that go along with all the sacrifice.
Mossakowski has worked his way back from a torn labrum and shoulder surgery following his senior season of high school ball. It’s hard to fault him for wanting to find a place where he can play.
The quarterback has nothing but good things to say about UK on his way out the exit. “I have total respect for the coaching staff. And I’ll still be good friends with all the players. I’ve really enjoyed it here. I just want to be somewhere where I know I’ll get on the field.”
The QB’s father said good things as well. “There was a quarterback competition that was announced (after Hartline’s suspension), but I’m not sure there really was on,” Dan Mossakowski said. “In defense of those coaches, they have to do what they think is in the best interest of their program, so no hard feelings.”
In the spring it’s expected that Newton and freshman Maxwell Smith will compete for the starting quarterback job in Lexington. Advantage: Newton (based on experience).
