Advertisement

QB Kurt Benkert leaves East Carolina to pursue grad transfer

(AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
(AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Kurt Benkert is leaving East Carolina.

The program announced Monday that Benkert, a junior quarterback, has decided to pursue a graduate transfer once he earns his degree. According to a release from the program, Benkert is on track to graduate with a degree in business administration in May.

"I am saddened to announce that I am transferring from East Carolina University," Benkert said. "I am very blessed for the opportunity that ECU has given me in obtaining my degree, and am forever thankful for the support from such great coaches, teammates, faculty and fans. This was a very tough decision that came from a lot of sleepless nights and conversations from those close to me. With that being said, I feel it is in my best interest to explore other options for graduate school. Thank you again Pirate Nation for the support throughout the last three years, it was never unnoticed and I will forever be grateful for it."

[Check out Dr. Saturday on Tumblr for entertaining things you won’t see on the blog]

Benkert was named ECU’s starting quarterback during preseason practice last August, but tore his ACL a week later and missed the entire season. After rehabbing the knee, Benkert competed with senior Philip Nelson this spring for the starting role under new head coach Scottie Montgomery. Blake Kemp, who started for ECU after Benkert was injured, left the program in January.

"While it was initially disappointing to hear, our immediate focus needs to remain on Pirates who want to be Pirates," Montgomery said. "We had a very competitive spring at many positions and the objective is for that energy, work ethic and ambition to continue throughout the summer and into preseason camp. I am impressed by the leadership we currently have in place on this team and my confidence in those young men grows on a daily basis."

A starter had yet to be named, but Benkert, who appeared in three games as Shane Carden's backup in 2014, still decided to move on from ECU. The decision essentially paves the way for Nelson, who landed at ECU after leaving Minnesota and being dismissed by Rutgers, to assume the No. 1 QB role.

The two alternated reps with the first-team offense during last weekend's spring game with Nelson completing 13-of-24 passes for 231 yards and Benkert going 12-of-25 for 216 yards and a touchdown.

[Visit Dr. Saturday on Facebook for stories you might have missed and chat with the writers]

At Minnesota, Nelson threw for 2,179 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 548 yards and another six scores. After the 2013 season, he decided to transfer to Rutgers in order to play in a more pro-style system, but his stint with the Scarlet Knights was short-lived after a May 2014 felony assault arrest.

Nelson eventually pleaded guilty to fifth-degree assault and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service.

As for Benkert, he has two years of eligibility remaining and can compete immediately at his next institution.

For more East Carolina news, visit PirateIllustrated.com.

- - - - - - -

Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!