Advertisement

LSU QB Anthony Jennings granted release from program

LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings (10) passes against Notre Dame in the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings (10) passes against Notre Dame in the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Anthony Jennings is moving on from LSU.

Jennings, a senior quarterback, has been given his release from the program and intends to transfer after he graduates over the summer. LSU announced the news Thursday afternoon.

Jennings was the Tigers’ starting quarterback in 2014 but fell behind Brandon Harris on the depth chart and appeared in only two games in 2015. In 2014, Jennings threw for 1,611 yards and 11 touchdowns but completed only 49 percent of his passes. He also threw seven interceptions and rushed for 292 yards that season.

[Check out Dr. Saturday on Tumblr for entertaining things you won’t see on the blog]

As a true freshman in 2013, Jennings appeared in nine games and made his first career start in the Outback Bowl – win over Iowa – after Zach Mettenberger went down with a knee injury. When Mettenberger was injured in the season finale against Arkansas, Jennings led the Tigers to a comeback victory.

“Anthony did a lot of really good things for our program,” head coach Les Miles said. “As a freshman, he came in for an injured Zach Mettenberger and led us to a last-minute win over Arkansas and then he helped us to eight wins the following year as a sophomore.

“This is an opportunity for Anthony to put himself in a position to help another team have success. We wish him nothing but good fortune in the future and we appreciate all that he did while he was part of our program.”

[Visit Dr. Saturday on Facebook for stories you might have missed and chat with the writers]

LSU began spring practice this week, but Jennings was noticeably absent. LSU told reporters that Jennings missed practice because of class.

Jennings’ status with the program was up in the air last summer after a June arrest (along with two teammates) for allegedly going into an on-campus apartment without permission, but formal charges were never filed.

With Jennings out of the picture, Harris, a junior, is the clear favorite to start. LSU also has Purdue transfer Danny Etling and redshirt freshman Justin McMillan.

As a graduate transfer, Jennings would be able to play immediately at his next school.

For more LSU news, visit TigerBait.com.

- - - - - - -

Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!