Based on his prior relationship with James Franklin, it was thought that, once Danny O’Brien‘s transfer from Maryland came to fruition, Vanderbilt would be a likely landing spot for the quarterback.
As it turns out, and barring a successful appeal, that will not be possible.
Both the Baltimore Sun and Washington Post report that, while O’Brien was given a release from his Terps scholarship, it wasn’t unconditional. The stipulations in the release reportedly include no schools in the ACC (standard); no schools on Maryland’s non-conference schedule (again, standard) the next two years, which eliminates such options as Temple, UConn and West Virginia; and, finally, no transfer to Vanderbilt (standard pettiness).
No reason was given as to why O’Brien is not permitted to transfer to the Commodores. Vandy plays in the SEC and is not on the Terps’ non-conference schedule the next seven years let alone the two years of eligibility O’Brien will have if he graduates, as expected, later this academic year.
Franklin was Maryland’s offensive coordinator before leaving to become the head coach at Vandy in December of 2010. O’Brien was a member of Maryland’s 2009 recruiting class, was recruited by Franklin and maintained a relationship for the coach after his departure for the Commodores. It doesn’t take a rocket surgeon to figure out the likely reason why the Maryland football program took the vindictive, petty road in keeping Vandy off O’Brien’s transfer table.
As noted, O’Brien can appeal Maryland’s decision to include Vandy in the list of schools to which he is not permitted to transfer. It’s unclear whether the player will pursue that option.