Quarterback Brandon Mitchell is among a group of four Arkansas Razorback football players that are transferring out of the program.
The other three players are junior defensive end Austin Flynn, junior wide receiver Keante Minor and sophomore safety Defonta Lowe.
Head coach Bret Bielema has concluded his post spring meetings and evaluations with all players and released the following statement.
“Through meetings with these student-athletes, a determination was made that it would be mutually beneficial for them to pursue their goals elsewhere. Brandon (Mitchell) is on track to earn his degree this summer and utilize the NCAA graduate transfer exception to play immediately this fall. We fully support them and wish them all the best moving forward.”
With Mitchell’s departure, redshirt sophomore Brandon Allen has solidified himself as the starting quarterback for 2013, but a huge question remains as to who his back up will be. Junior Brian Buehner and transfers A.J. Derby and Taylor Reed are also on the depth chart.
Allen was listed first on the depth chart after spring practice, ahead of Mitchell. Coach Bielema made it know that he would like to utilize Mitchell in any way possible, perhaps moving him back to wide receiver, where he played last season and caught 17 passes for 272 yards.
However, Mitchell has since said he has no interest in moving back to receiver and wants to play quarterback only.
Austin Flynn’s transfer is also no surprise. He was arrested in February for suspicion of DWI and was expected to be released.
Keante Minor played in 21 games over his two years and mainly saw action as a punt returner.
Defonta Lowe played in four games as a freshman in 2012 and made one tackle.
