QB Anu Solomon Transferring from Arizona Wildcats

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

A crushing blow to Arizona fans came via Instagram today when former Wildcats starting quarterback Anu Solomon announced he was leaving the program.

Solomon (6-2, 206) posted his decision writing:

“I first want to take this opportunity to thank Arizona Football for making me the man I am today, especially Coach Rodriquez & the Rodriguez family, Greg Byrne, the entire administration and staff, and of course the die-hard fans for absolutely everything to make my past 4 years at The University of Arizona worthwhile and unforgettable. God has a plan for me. I’ve prayed for direction, patience, and knowledge to know when it comes, and it is with a heavy heart to announce that I am transferring from The University of Arizona. Through much adversity, I will never forget those who supported me, stuck by me, and believed in me; God, my family, my girlfriend, and close friends. From highs and lows, and the unlucky injuries I suffered from the past 2 seasons, I am blessed to have a fresh start at another program to finish out my senior year. Thank you Tucson, & GOD BLESS! At this time I will be focusing on spending the holiday season with my family and ask for privacy as we decide on the next step in my college career.”

Solomon was a four-star recruit out of famed Bishop Gorman High School. While leading the Las Vegas squad to four state titles, he was a four-time Nevada All-State selection passing for 2,849 yards and 35 touchdowns his senior year. Solomon redshirted in 2013 but came on like a bolt of lightning in 2014 helping lead the team to a 10-4 record that included winning the Pac-12 South title and a trip to the Fiesta Bowl. Among the giants in the Pac-12 pocket that year included Marcus Mariota, Jared Goff, Connor Halliday, and Cody Kessler, Solomon finished his first collegiate season fifth in the conference in passing yards with 3,793 connecting on 28 touchdown passes against nine interceptions.

The Wildcats had a stacked team in 2015 with high expectations but finished the season 7-6 (3-6) after a slew of injuries hindered Arizona’s ascension in the Pac-12. Starting in just 11 games, missing two due to concussion, Solomon still had a solid year completing 62 percent of his passes for 2,667 yards with 20 touchdowns against five picks.

Head coach Rich Rodriguez decided to go in a different direction in the off-season tabbing sophomore Brandon Dawkins as the team’s new starting quarterback. Dawkins was more of a dual-threat rushing for a team-high 944 yards with 10 touchdowns while completing 53 percent of his passes covering 1,345 yards in 10 games with a TD/INT ratio of 8/6. Solomon got action in five games completing 38-of-64 passes for 465 yards with one touchdown against two picks.

Solomon is expected to graduate by the spring allowing him to transfer to the school of his choice without having to sit out a year due to NCAA rules.

Photo credit: Zona Zealots; No. 12 Anu Solomon.