Brandon Connette exploring a transfer...

[Bob Green]

...to a West Coast school in order to be closer to his Mom per tweets by Laura Keeley.

[CameronBornAndBred]

I support him in whatever choice he makes; I bet the coaching staff does too. I would hate to be in his shoes, both my parents are still with me...they've even expanded, I have four!
Even if the thought of a QB competition weighs upon him, I would support him. Duke is obviously loaded at the position, but the honest truth is that we had the amazing season we did last year (and the year before) thanks in part due to his huge contributions, so I think that would be less the case. If he wants more pro looks, though, maybe he is thinking he needs to showcase his skills more, and I can't blame him for that.
Either way, whatever the reasoning behind it, best wishes. I hope he stays.

[The Football Fan]

I've said many times I think he's the best QB on the team. So, that stinks....

but...I 100% agree, I don't care what his reasoning is...I want the best for that fellow and his family. I think this is definitely one of those where you thank a fellow for what he's done and just support him with whatever he wants to do.

[Bob Green]

It's official. Connette is transferring. I expected him to push Boone for the starting job this year. He was the best QB on the field at the Spring Game so I view this as a huge loss. His decision is 100 percent understandable so as a human being I support him totally, but as a Duke football fan I am incredibly sad to see him leave.

[CameronBornAndBred]

It is unfortunate that the transfer comes after the spring practice, I can only assume that we would have been working his replacement more in the scrimmages.

[The Football Fan]

Considering our scholarship situation, I'm not so sure Coach didn't already know it was highly likely. I don't know that it would have changed things that much. The biggest difference to me would've been the time put in by Lloyd at QB. Maybe he would have gotten an extra series. I think it was planned. Again, I have no extra knowledge. I'm not even in the same state, but that's what it looks like to me.

As much as I like Brandon, for what coach will ask Sirk to do this year, it's probably a similar role and one he can fill well. I don't think we'll miss a beat, but then....Brandon did have a lot of game winners. Take 1 or 2 of those away and its hard to say what you have.

I'm still very bullish on this coming year.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Coach Cutcliffe is a smart man who happens to be compassionate. Based on what I know about Brandon, his decision to be closer to his mother during his last year of eligibility and how that fit in with the team's spring practice was not planned. Since most of the practices are closed, I don't really know how many snaps Thomas Sirk took or how many Parker Boehme took... or anyone else for that matter. I do know that Coach Cutcliffe usually reveals little to folks outside the program.

I'm sorry that things played out so that Brandon will finish his college career elsewhere. The terrible changes in his mother's health present a factor no one could have anticipated.

I'm thankful that Duke has pretty good depth at the QB position and top notch coaching to make the most of the assets available. We'll miss Brandon, but we've got a lot to look forward to.

[Bob Green]

Here is an article on Connette/Fresno State:

http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/04/19/388 ... p=/99/330/

[CameronBornAndBred]

Here is an article on Connette/Fresno State:

http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/04/19/388 ... p=/99/330/

And an article on Duke moving forward without him.

Now, Duke has to try and defend its Coastal Division crown without a key part of its offensive game plan. The good news is veteran starter Anthony Boone returns. The bad news is there is no experienced depth behind him, and nobody ready to take all the snaps Connette would have received in 2014.

http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/6 ... t-connette

[Bob Green]

Brandon Connette will be playing his senior season at Fresno State. The Bulldogs have two Friday night games being televised on ESPN so that is two opportunities to see Connette play:

Sept 26: @New Mexico
Oct 17: @Boise State

Officially a #Bulldog @FresnoStateFB pic.twitter.com/YQ5YctGEUl