On Tuesday, Garrett Shrader announced his plans to transfer from Mississippi State, saying that he wants to play quarterback again.

As a freshman, Shrader played quarterback under former Bulldogs coach Joe Moorhead. In preseason camp, the new Mike Leach staff decided to move Shrader to wide receiver when grad transfer K.J. Costello and true freshman Will Rogers emerged as the top two quarterbacks to run the Air Raid offense.

In his Tuesday post-practice press conference, Leach was asked if he had any conversations with Shrader prior to the sophomore’s decision and any message for the departing Bulldog.

“No, not really,” Leach replied.

The head coach continued, “Garrett wants to play quarterback and we wish the best. He was a good teammate and we enjoyed having him.”

Leach was later asked about why Shrader was behind on the depth chart at quarterback during preseason camp.

“They outperformed him,” Leach said. “And then, we felt like he would make a great tight end. We still think that. But he has other interests. Like I say, we wish him the best. I don’t really have any comments on him, we just wish him the best. If he decides he wants to be a quarterback, I hope that works out for him.”