As it turns out, an injury-riddled season for Anu Solomon will turn out to be his last in the desert.
On Instagram Tuesday, the Arizona quarterback confirmed that he has decided to transfer out of the Wildcats football program. Solomon is expected to graduate from UA before he officially leaves the university, meaning he would be eligible to play immediately at another FBS program in 2017.
That would be his last season of eligibility.I first want to take this opportunity to thank Arizona Football for making me the man I am today, especially Coach Rodriquez & the Rodriguez family, Greg Byrne, the entire administration and staff, and of course the die-hard fans for absolutely everything to make my past 4 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 the unlucky injuries I suffered from the past 2 seasons, I am blessed to have a fresh start at another program to finish out my senior year. Thank you Tucson, & 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.
A photo posted by Anu Solomon (@anusolomon) on Dec 13, 2016 at 11:23am PST
UNLV has already been mentioned as a potential landing spot, with Solomon’s high school coach, Rob O’Dell, serving as the Rebels’ quarterbacks coach. Speculation is that Hawaii and possibly Cal could also be in play for the Las Vegas Bishop Gorman High School product.
Solomon entered the 2016 season having started 25 of the previous 27 games. He made it 26-of-28 in the opener before an injury in practice leading into Week 2 knocked him out for the next six games. He returned from the knee issue and served as a backup to Brandon Dawkins for three consecutive games before starting the Nov. 19 loss to Oregon State. A foot injury in that game, however, kept him out of the Territorial Cup win over rival Arizona State the following week and effectively ended his UA career.
Arguably the highlight of the Wildcat portion of his playing career was winning the 2014 Pac-12 South championship. Solomon also leaves as the fourth-most prolific passer in school history.
“We were sad to hear that Anu had decided to transfer,” athletic director Greg Byrne said during a radio interview by way of Tucson News Now. “We also understand that does happen. He’s had a lot of great moments here in our program; obviously, the highlight was winning the Pac-12 South and playing in the Fiesta Bowl.
“We wish him nothing but the best. We want great things to happen for him on the football field and off the football field as well.”