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Redshirt sophomore Gunnar Hoak announced that he will be entering the NCAA football transfer portal today. The quarterback from Dublin, OH will be looking for an opportunity to lead a team from under center.
— Gunnar Hoak (@GunnarHoak12) April 23, 2019
Before the 2018 season began, many believed Hoak had a chance to win the starting quarterback position for the Kentucky Wildcats. He shared some time early with Terry Wilson, came in during the Missouri game when Wilson was struggling, and got in a few snaps here and there throughout the season.
However, it is clear that fellow sophomore Terry Wilson will be the guy moving forward. Hoak is not excited about staying at Kentucky in a backup role, and he will be seeking a chance to be a starter elsewhere. Hoak completed 13 of his 26 passes at Kentucky for two touchdowns, but never really proved himself as a better option than Wilson.
Hoak came to Kentucky as a 3-star recruit, and many believed he would be the successor to Drew Barker as the Wildcats’ signal caller. But thanks to Stephen Johnson and now Terry Wilson, both of those promising quarterbacks chose to move on without leaving their mark on the Kentucky football program.
Hoak’s father has actively criticized the Kentucky coaching staff on multiple occasions on social media. It has been clear that the Hoak family believed Gunnar was the right guy for the job. Given the growth of Wilson throughout the season, it was no surprise that the family would look for another opportunity for their son to play.
In fact, his mother alluded to the transfer announcement a couple of months ago on Twitter.
Change is coming... #freshstart #NewOpportunities pic.twitter.com/rJEMKz7nT6
— Holly Hoak (@holly_hoak) January 2, 2019
As always, you have to root for a player even if it does not work out for him at the school you cheer for. Good luck to Gunnar Hoak to his family. Since he is graduating, he will be able to play immediately, and he has two years of eligibility remaining.
However, that does leave Kentucky a little thin at the quarterback position. Will they seek another backup before the season begins? Or will Lynn Bowden get some reps as the emergency QB?