Senior quarterback Allen Webb, who was expected to battle for the starting job at Kansas State entering fall practice, will instead transfer to an NAIA school in Texas.
The 22-year-old Denver native who attended South and Chatfield high schools, issued a statement Wednesday announcing his decision to enroll at Texas College in Tyler, Texas, where he will be eligible immediately.
On Thursday, Kansas State put out its own release announcing Webb’s departure and stating, “Attempts to reach Webb, who is attending a family reunion in Florida, were unsuccessful.”
“Allen Webb made incredible contributions to Kansas State football during his career,” Wildcats head coach Ron Prince said in the release. “We wish him success in his future endeavors.”
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Webb began his career at Indiana and transferred to Kansas State in 2003. NCAA rules would have prevented him from attending another Division I school without forfeiting a year of eligibility – his only year remaining.
Webb’s status had been in question since the spring, when he missed the start of practice for undisclosed reasons. In his release, Webb said, “I understand the message being given to me.”
He returned to practice and completed 5-of-6 passes in the spring game, leading his side to two scores. He was among five quarterbacks who Prince said would compete for the starting job.
In April, redshirt freshman Kevin Lopina announced he was transferring, eventually settling on Washington State.
Webb’s defection leaves senior Dylan Meier and sophomore Allan Evridge – both with starting experience – to battle freshman Josh Freeman for the position.
Webb started in 10 games the past two seasons, completing 111-of-199 passes for 1,371 yards and 12 touchdowns. Last season, he was 4-1 as a starter but gave Kansas State fans hope for this season when he led the Wildcats to a 36-28 comeback victory over Missouri in the season finale.
“As I leave K-State, I want to thank my teammates and wish them well this season,” Webb said in the release. “But most of all, I want to thank the fans for their support during my highs and lows, specifically those who encouraged me after this year’s spring game and made me feel welcomed at the university.”
Missouri: Freshman wide receiver Lonnie Maclin, one of the school’s top recruits, will miss the season after tearing a right knee ligament during summer drills.
An MRI exam confirmed the tear, school spokesman Chad Moller said. It’s expected that Maclin, who could have challenged for playing time this year, will undergo surgery next week.
Maclin was injured during 7-on-7 play Tuesday. He caught 41 passes for 1,042 yards last season in high school, and as a junior he had 58 receptions for 1,184 yards.
Southern Cal: The three-time defending Pac-10 champions were picked to win the conference title again, but unlike the previous two years, the Trojans were not a unanimous choice.
USC garnered 18 of 29 first-place votes in a preseason poll of West Coast media who regularly cover the conference. Overall, the Trojans totaled 276 points – 29 more than second-place California.
The Golden Bears, picked to finish second, received seven first-place votes, while third-place Oregon had three and fourth-place Arizona State one.
UCLA was picked to finish fifth, followed by Arizona, Oregon State, Washington State, Stanford, and Washington.
The media poll has correctly selected the conference champion for six consecutive years.
Central Michigan: School athletic officials have told a jailed former football player who wants to return to the team he should pursue his playing career elsewhere.
Jerry Seymour, 21, of Miramar, Fla., pleaded no contest July 18 to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in the 2004 fatal beating of DeMarcus Graham, 26, of Flint, Mich., outside a bar.
On July 20, Seymour, who has been out of school for two years voluntarily canceled his bond so he could begin serving jail time with hopes of being able to return to school and resume playing football as soon as possible.
The charge carries a penalty of up to two years in jail, but officials have said Seymour is likely to get a sentence ranging from probation to six months behind bars when he returns to court Aug. 21. Seymour would get credit for the month he spends in jail before sentencing if he is sentenced to time.
Central Michigan athletic director Dave Heeke said members of the sports program, including football coach Brian Kelly, have talked with Seymour and his family about Seymour’s interest in rejoining the team if he is readmitted as a student.
“CMU athletics feels it is in the best interest for all that Jerry pursue his football career at a different institution,” Heeke said. “CMU stands by its belief that all student-athletes are held to a higher standard and are expected to represent CMU responsibly.”
