The quarterback who led Arizona to its first and only Pac-12 South Division title will not complete his college career as a Wildcat.
Anu Solomon, who burst onto the scene in 2014 before being slowed by injuries the past two seasons, announced Tuesday that he intends to transfer.
Solomon’s plan is to graduate Jan. 11, at the end of the academic winter session. As a grad transfer, he would be eligible to play right away at another FBS school.
Many quarterbacks seeking better playing-time opportunities have followed that path in recent years. Within the Pac-12, Max Browne left USC before the team began practicing for the Rose Bowl.
Arizona did not place specific restrictions on where Solomon can transfer, but if he wants to go to a school that’s on the Wildcats’ schedule next year, it would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Solomon, who was unavailable for postseason interviews, broke the news of his departure on Instagram.
“I first want to take this opportunity to thank Arizona Football for making me the man I am today,” Solomon wrote, “especially Coach (Rich) Rodriguez and the Rodriguez family, Greg Byrne, the entire administration and staff, and of course the diehard fans for absolutely everything to make my past four years at the University of Arizona worthwhile and unforgettable. God has a plan for me. I’ve prayed for direction, patience and knowledge to know when it comes, and it is with a heavy heart to announce that I am transferring from the University of Arizona.
“Through much adversity, I will never forget those who supported me, stuck by me and believed in me: God, my family, my girlfriend and close friends. From highs and lows, and unlucky injuries I suffered from the past two seasons, I am blessed to have a fresh start at another program to finish out my senior year. Thank you Tucson and GOD BLESS!
“At this time I will be focusing on spending the holiday season with my family and ask for privacy as we decide on the next step in my college career.”
Solomon emerged as a breakout performer as a redshirt freshman in 2014. He passed for 3,793 yards with 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions, leading the UA to the Pac-12 South title, a berth in the Fiesta Bowl and the second 10-win season in school history.
Injuries and ineffectiveness hampered Solomon the following season. He missed two games because of concussions, and some of his numbers fell off, including yards (2,655) and touchdowns (20).
Rodriguez opened the quarterback competition in spring, giving Solomon and challenger Brandon Dawkins equal first-team practice reps. The competition continued through training camp. Shortly before the Sept. 3 opener against BYU, Rodriguez named Solomon the starter.
Solomon struggled in an 18-16 loss, throwing two interceptions. Four days later, he suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee during practice. Dawkins took over the starting job, excelled as a rusher but proved inconsistent as a passer. He also missed time because of injuries. Arizona finished 3-9.
Solomon returned to the field against Stanford on Oct. 29 in a relief role and came off the bench each of the next two weeks. He made his lone start against Oregon State on Nov. 19 but suffered a foot injury in the second quarter that shelved him for the rest of the season.
Solomon’s departure leaves Arizona with two scholarship quarterbacks on its current roster: Dawkins, who started nine games as a redshirt sophomore, and Khalil Tate, who started one as a true freshman
Arizona also has commitments from two quarterbacks for the class of 2017: four-star prospect Braxton Burmeister from La Jolla, California, and Rhett Rodriguez, Rich’s son, from Catalina Foothills High. Burmeister is expected to enroll in January.
Rich Rodriguez likely will reopen the QB competition this spring, with returnees Dawkins and Tate at the forefront of that battle. Rodriguez did not publicly announce a starting quarterback at any point in 2016.
