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After rumors swirled for the last 24 hours, Jarrett Stidham has confirmed he will be transferring from Baylor.
Stidham confirmed the news within the last hour on Twitter:
— Jarrett Stidham (@Jarrett_Stidham) July 7, 2016
Per John Werner of the Waco Tribune-Herald:
Baylor coach Jim Grobe says Stidham didn't want to back up Seth Russell. He says freshman Zach Smith will need to get ready as backup.
— John Werner (@JohnWernerTrib) July 7, 2016
Stidham ends his time at Baylor after starting three games last season. Against Kansas State, Stidham led the Bears to victory with 419 yards passing and a QBR of 94(100 is perfect). After falling to Oklahoma, Stidham had a strong first half against Oklahoma State, before injuries led him to miss the remainder of his freshman season.
This is a tough loss for Baylor. Stidham was set to take over in 2017 and was a backup ready to step in if Seth Russell went down. Now freshman Zach Smith will move into the backup role with the wildbear presumably the fall-back if both are unable to go.
There’s no definitive word on where Stidham is heading. The rumor was he’d go to MCC for a year to retain his options for 2017.
The loss is a tough blow for the Bears. We’ve encouraged everyone to not attack Stidham or his character. He’s 19 and has made a decision he feels is best for him. Root for and appreciate the guys that stay.