(H-L photo/John Clay)
Ryan Mossakowski’s father has confirmed to WKYT that the redshirt freshman quarterback has decided to transfer. This is something of a surprise considering that Mossakowski was expected to compete in spring practice with junior-to-be Morgan Newton for the starting quarterback spot.
The Texas native came to UK with a reputation as being a big-time passer, but his progress was curtailed by shoulder surgery. Still, in talking with UK offensive coordinator Randy Sanders, it was clear that Kentucky liked Mossakowski’s intangibles and quarterback skills. He appeared to be the best pure pocket passer of the quarterback candidates.
Newton has a leg up in experience, however, after making eight starts as a true freshman after Mike Hartline got hurt in 2009. This past season, when Hartline was suspended for the bowl game, Newton started and played the entire game in UK’s 27-10 loss to Pittsburgh in the BBVA Compass Bowl.
Something of a surprise? How about expected? Good luck Moss, wherever you transfer to.
I’m surprised he didn’t at least go through spring practice and compete for the job.
Seems to me if he feels he won’t be a “competitor” for the UK job, now is the time to transfer (early) before OTHER teams make up their rosters and he loses a good chance to play.
John,
Is this a sign UK is falling apart at QB? Newton is plain terrible.
He seen the writing on the wall and that even though he would have been given the chance in spring practice, he was already behind before he started. This is one kid that Joker will miss. I would have thought that Joker would have giving Moss a series in each half of the bowl game to see him in a game, but did not. Good luck Moss. GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Big mistake for Joker to let Moss get away. Can’t blame Moss, it appears that he never got a real shot at the job and Joker wants to put all his eggs in the Newton basket………..let the games begin. If Newton isn’t up to the QB challenge in the SEC the Cats are doomed for another few years while looking for a new QB.
At the very least, Moss should have been given two quarters of playing time in the bowl game we were destined to lose anyway. Maybe Joker didn’t want Moss around to compete with his choice.
Getting to look more and more like the JOKE is on KY for a football coach.
Looks more and more like the JOKE is on KY unstead of having a football coach.
AEH, that is apparently the case.
But he isn’t “leaving early.” He is going to finish the semester at UK, so he won’t be doing any spring football. I don’t see that helps him – at UK or elsewhere.
As for many comments saying UK will be sorry he is leaving, I find it curious we think we have lost the second coming of [some great QB] when the guy hasn’t thrown a pass for UK. Maybe he will turn out great elsewhere, but there is way too much speculation to say Joker is clearly wrong for not playing the guy more. Reminds me of the hype and gnashing of teeth when Cal let Matt Pilgrim go – a guy whose legend greatly exceeded his actual ability. Oh – lordy – he was such an athlete. He was so good – best big man on team – how could we keep Josh and let Matt go? How funny that turned out to be.
Joker is dumb for not playing Moss. Newton stinks, so Moss must be better. Of course after fall drills I argued that Hartline stunk and it was clear Joker should have gone with Newton. He just keeps screwing this up on purpose because he doesn’t care as much about winning as we do. It isn’t like his job depends on it.
How can he be so stupid when he spends 60 hours a week evaluating these kids and all I have to do is read a 3 year old article on the internet to know that Mossakowski has a cannon for an arm. A CANNON. Why should Joker make judgments based on hours of practice when he knows that Moss has 4 stars coming out of high school?
The Kentucky Coaching Staff is a joke! Ryan never had an opportunity to compete for the job. He had empty promises from the coaches. Kentucky will fire these jokers very soon!