Following a competition that lasted throughout the spring, Brandon Allen exited the spring game as Arkansas’ starting quarterback.
As a result, one of Allen’s competitors for the job has decided to take his leave of the football program.
Head coach Bret Bielema announced via a press release Monday that quarterback Brandon Mitchell was one of four players who have been granted a release from their UA scholarships. Bielema stated that the decisions came after post-spring meetings with each member of the team were conducted.
“Through meetings with these student-athletes, a determination was made that it would be mutually beneficial for them to pursue their goals elsewhere,” the coach said in a statement. “We fully support them and wish them all the best moving forward.”
Mitchell will graduate from Arkansas soon and be eligible to play at the FBS level in 2013, Bielema added. To where the Amite, Louisiana, product will transfer, though, is unknown.
A three-star member of the Razorbacks’ 2009 recruiting class, Mitchell served as Tyler Wilson‘s backup in 2011 before moving to wide receiver last season. Bielema had previously hinted that Mitchell contributing at a position other than QB was a possibility this season.
In addition to Mitchell, defensive lineman Austin Flynn, defensive back Defonta Lowe and wide receiver Keante Minor were also granted releases by the school.
It had previously been reported that Flynn would be transferring from the program. That move came a month after Flynn was arrested and charged with drunk driving, although Bielema stated that the decision was related to academics.
Flynn played in 12 games last season after coming to Fayetteville from the JUCO ranks.0
Minor played in 21 games the past two seasons, primarily as a punt returner. Lowe played in four games as a true freshman in 2012.