Patrick Witt seemed in prime position at Nebraska.
He was the most experienced of the four quarterbacks who would compete for the starting job beginning next month in spring drills. It was conceivable Witt could become a three-year starter. On the surface, Witt’s situation was full of promise.
Below the surface, there were significant issues in the Witt-Nebraska relationship — issues that made the split essentially a no-brainer.
Gene Witt, the player’s father, confirmed Sunday his son is leaving Lincoln in May after finishing the semester. According to sources close to the situation, the sophomore-to-be firmly believed he wouldn’t receive a fair shake in the quarterback competition. Witt feared the coaching staff strongly favored junior-to-be Zac Lee.
There was another issue, one that ultimately spelled doom for the relationship.
According to a source close to the Nebraska program, Witt and his father sought assurance from Husker coaches that the coaches would name the starting quarterback at the end of spring practice. That way, if Witt wasn’t named starter, he presumably could arrange to transfer, or at least evaluate his situation.
Nebraska coach Bo Pelini declined to address the matter Monday. But the source said Pelini informed the Witts that it was highly unlikely (read: forget it, guys) that he would release Patrick from his scholarship if Patrick made such a request at the end of spring drills. Pelini apparently loathed the idea of Witt going through spring practice while considering a transfer. So, Pelini forced Witt’s hand before spring drills began.
Bully for Bo. There’s obviously no way Pelini could allow a quarterback to dictate terms of such a competition. Plus, if a quarterback shies from competition in practice, you wonder how he’ll react in the fourth quarter of a close Big 12 contest, in the din of an emotionally charged stadium, with defenders attacking from all angles.
I asked Gene Witt on Monday if he felt his son received a fair shot at Nebraska. Gene thought for a few moments, then declined to comment.
I had considered Patrick the front-runner to win the Nebraska job because of his experience running the system. I also like the kid’s size, demeanor and intelligence. But you have to wonder about the fact he transferred three times in high school ...
As for the Nebraska situation, “I’d love to be able to tell you the whole story, but I’d rather not, and it would probably take an hour anyway,” Gene Witt said.
In the end, the parties decided to part ways — clearly the best resolution to an unhealthy relationship.
Article Courtesy Steve Sipple of The Lincoln Journal Star
::The Razzi::
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