Chris Black felt underutilized at Alabama. So after three years of waiting in the wings as a reserve, he decided to leave the program in hopes of one strong, productive year before leaving the college ranks altogether.

A former four-star prospect, Black caught 25 passes for 290 yards for the Crimson Tide from 2013-15. After a promising spring in 2012, Black was injured in preseason practice and was forced to redshirt his first season. Last season was also cut short by an ankle injury after making two catches for 23 yards. Thus led to his decision to join Missouri as a graduate transfer this past February.

“I had a few injuries there, and it slowed me down in the process,” Black told the Columbia Daily Tribune. “I needed a breath of fresh air and a new start.”

Black was the No. 5 wide receiver from the recruiting class of 2012, according to 247Sports. He ranked as a top-50 overall prospect and was the No. 8-best player coming from the state of Florida.

“It was my decision to leave Alabama,” he said. “I won’t comment on anything else about that.”

With this new opportunity comes high expectations. Missouri had one of the nation’s worst passing games in 2015, finishing No. 113th out of 128 FBS teams with 165.5 passing yards per game. The Tigers also ended the year 120th in team passing efficiency with a rating of 97.01 — and their 10 touchdown receptions tied with Kentucky for last in the SEC.

Black is expected to have a big impact on the offense, serving as the top target for developing sophomore quarterback Drew Lock.

“I feel blessed,” he said. “I love my team. I love where I am. I’m looking toward the future. …I am looking to come out and be the guy throughout all of college football this year.”

This season will mark Black’s final year of eligibility. He’s looking to make the most of it.

“Those past four years at Alabama just added fuel to the fire,” Black said. “I’m ready to roll.”