OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska quarterback Tanner Lee will skip his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.
The move was not unexpected in the wake of coach Mike Riley's firing and Scott Frost's hiring.
"After weeks of prayer and consideration with my family, I've decided to enter the NFL Draft and pursue an opportunity that I feel is the best for myself and my family at this time," Lee said in a Twitter post on Thursday.
Lee won the starter's job last spring after sitting out 2016 following his transfer from Tulane. He completed 57.5 percent of his passes for 3,143 yards, with 23 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, as the Huskers finished 4-8.
Lee announced his departure less than a week after Frost signed quarterback Adrian Martinez of Fresno, California. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Lee is a drop-back passer, the type Riley wanted in his pro-style offense. He would not have been a fit in Frost's fast-paced spread system, which requires a mobile quarterback.
Frost has said Martinez would be given a chance to be the starter. Martinez plans to enroll in January and go through spring practice.
The other scholarship quarterbacks are rising sophomore Patrick O'Brien and redshirt freshman Tristan Gebbia.
Lee, in his farewell tweet, thanked teammates and fans along with Riley, former offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf and former receivers coach Keith Williams.
"I cannot thank Husker Nation enough for making it so special," Lee wrote. "I will be a Husker for life. I want to wish Coach Frost and his staff the best of luck, Nebraska is in great hands."
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