Rising redshirt senior quarterback Brandon Connette is considering a transfer to a West Coast school for his final season of eligibility, Jeremy Fowler of CBS Sports reported Wednesday evening.
CBS Sports obtained a copy of a letter granting Connette's permission to transfer. The letter did not identify which school was receiving it.
Connette, who graduated in January with a degree in economics, would be able to pursue graduate work at another university for his final year of college football, rendering him eligible to play this season for any school.
Breaking out of his role as a short-yardage quarterback, the Corona, Calif., native threw for 1,212 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed 101 times for 381 yards and 14 scores during the 2013 season. He and fellow rising redshirt senior quarterback Anthony Boone were part of a two-quarterback system following Boone's return from a broken collarbone.
Relocating to the West Coast would allow Connette to be closer to his mother, Nancy, who underwent emergency surgery in December to have a brain tumor removed. Connette took a two-week leave of absence from the team before returning just before Duke's loss to Texas A&M in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, where the signal-caller scored his 27th touchdown of the year on a 3-yard run.
Should Connette transfer, the Blue Devils would still have depth at quarterback behind Boone. Redshirt sophomore Thomas Sirk, now healthy after rupturing his Achilles last season, is also a mobile dual-threat. Four-star prospect Nico Pierre will also be a true freshman.
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