The time has come for Austin Kendall to make a decision. A decision pertaining to his future as an Oklahoma Sooner. Despite what others may think, the quarterback is the only one able to finalize his future. But, it must happen this summer. I for one, believe Kendall is one hundred percent committed to the University of Oklahoma for the long haul. Here’s why:
Level Of Commitment
Coming out of high school, Kendall found himself tabbed as the No. 9 Pro-Style quarterback. Holding offers from various locations including Clemson, Auburn, and Miami the prospect out of North Carolina committed to play for the Oklahoma Sooners. But a twist quickly entered the equation.
In December of 2016, the coaching staff made their intentions of bringing in a transfer at the position to Kendall. With plenty of options, it was no secret that Kyler Murray sat atop the list of potential candidates. In the wake of the news, Kentucky as well as Auburn reached out to Kendall hoping to flip the 4-star quarterback.
Yet, Kendall never wavered in his commitment. Why would he do so now?
The Optimal Window Of Opportunity Has Past
After appearing in two games as a true freshman, Kendall stared out the window of opportunity with a redshirt season intact. Possessing the ability to sit out one year and retaining three years of eligibility remained a selling point for the quarterback at the conclusion of the 2016-17 season. Instead of making the leap into the unknown, Kendall continued to battle.
Eventually losing the quarterback battle, the coaching staff exhausted Kendall’s redshirt in an attempt to protect the investment of scholarship funds as well as time. However, the move effectively protected the future of the position in one fell swoop.
If there was an optimal window of transfer, it has closed for Kendall which brings me to the final point.
2 Years Here, 2 Years There
By remaining in Norman, Kendall will once again play the role of backup. However, this time he’ll backup Kyler Murray. Selected as the No. 9 overall pick in the MLB Draft, Murray announced his intention to play a year of football postponing a $4.7M payday. The best of the situation? The Oakland Athletics are one hundred percent on board!
Needless to say, there are two options here but they lead to the same result…2 years as THE signal caller. If Kendall transfers he’ll be forced to sit out a year. He’ll be forced to learn a new system. Yet the prize is two years in the starring role of QB1 at __________________ University.
On the other side of the coin, Kendall can sit behind Murray for a year. Then in 2019 he’ll be handed the keys to the machine. And guess what! The prize is once again two years in the starring role of QB1. However, it’s at the University of Oklahoma!
There’s nothing a competing program can offer Kendall that OU can’t match. It’s the deciding factor in why I believe it’s time to shut down the ‘Kendall Transfer’ rumor mill.
As QB2 Kendall is just aplay away from being on the field. Murray has a history of getting dinged up so this could be a big year for AK as well.