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Dan Barriero was the first to tweet it and then shared a statement from Philip Nelson.
Gopher QB Philip Nelson tells @DanBarreiroKFAN he is leaving the program. #gophers
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) January 16, 2014
Nelson's statement as to why he is transferring.
"I want to thank Coach Kill for the opportunity to play football at the University of Minnesota. I have the uttermost respect for Coach Kill and what he's done for this program. I also want to reach out to to all the great Minnesota fans that supported the football program and say thank you. Your effort makes a difference."
"For me, I am looking to play in a system that centers more around the pass game which utilizes my skill sets. I am excited to go out and meet with programs that match up with my talents."
This was a season that saw the coaching staff go back and forth between Nelson and Leidner throughout the season. Just when it appeared as though Leidner had taken the reigns and put himself as the top of the QB depth chart, Nelson came in to lead the Gophers on their Big Ten 4-game win streak. Nelson certainly struggled early in the Texas Bowl and was quickly pulled in favor of Mitch Leidner. There seemed to be very little clarity to the situation as the season ended and things are just as murky.
More reaction to come, but this is fairly big news for Gopher Football 2014. Quarterback is the biggest question mark heading into 2014 and this does nothing to make things clearer, even with one less name on the depth chart.
UPDATE: Joe Christensen provides more information by getting in contact with Nelson's father.
Nelson met with Gophers coach Jerry Kill on Wednesday, and it was an amicable parting according to Nelson's father.
Pat Nelson said Kill offered to use his contacts to help the quarterback find the best landing spot possible. Nelson hopes to enroll somewhere quickly so he's eligible to play in spring football.
It appears he is looking outside of the Big Ten to ensure that he'll have three years to play two and not lose a year of eligibility.
