Anu Solomon had an unreal start to his career at Arizona. After an outstanding freshman showing, expectations were high. After several injuries, the ride has come to an end as he announced his decision to transfer.
Arizona Football QB Anu Solomon announced via his Instagram page his intent to transfer from the University of Arizona.
@ZonaZealots Anu Solomon announces decision to transfer. Incredible freshmen year but plagued by injuries after that. #BearDown pic.twitter.com/B8wV987D2i
— Mark Barrera (@mtb0880) December 13, 2016
As a red shirt freshman, Anu started in all 14 games for the Wildcats, becoming the first freshman ever to start a season opener for Arizona. Solomon finished his freshman year with 3,793 total passing yards, 313 completions out of 540 attempts, 28 passing touchdowns, 291 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns. At the end of the year, he led all FBS freshman quarterbacks in total passing yards.
His freshman year was highlighted by a career-high 105 rushing yards vs Colorado, 520 passing yards vs Cal, in which he led the team to one of the greatest comebacks in program history, winning with a last second hail mary to Austin Hill.
Coming into the 2015 season, Anu was listed on several preseason watch lists: Manning Award, Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year, Heisman to watch list. The 2015 season wasn’t a total bust, but unfortunately, the 2014 season would be the high of his career at Arizona
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Solomon would end up only starting 11 games the next season. Due to injuries, he missed the Stanford and Arizona State games. Against UCLA, he missed the entire second half, while also missing most of the fourth quarter against Utah.
This past season he only saw the field five times. Injuries once again crept up on the QB, only this time taking a major toll on this season. Anu finished the year 38/64 for 465 yards, 1 passing TD, 47 yards rushing with zero touchdowns.
During his time on the sideline, Arizona saw the emergence of Brandon Dawkins, as well as the future in Khalil Tate. Mix in the injuries, along with QB’s behind him making a real push for playing time, the transfer doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Had Anu not transferred, Coach Rich Rodriguez would have three QB’s to choose from for the 2017 season. Along with
and
also in the mix.
The 2017 season would leave Anu fighting for his career at Arizona. He would have been a redshirt senior having to prove himself against Dawkins and Tate. In my opinion, the future of the offense is in Khalil Tate’s hands. I have no doubt Anu would have given it all he has to earn the starting job back, but I think he sees the writing on the wall.
Anu is very close to his father who drives his son towards excellence. It has probably been very hard on the family and Anu to read and hear all the naysayers regarding his career, so this move makes perfect sense for all involved. Solomon gets a brand new start and a chance to play a full season in the spotlight.
Anu will have one year left to complete his college career unless he is awarded a medical redshirt for this season. If he is awarded a medical redshirt he will have two years remaining.
Solomon looked to be the one to lead Arizona to the top of the conference. The future looked very bright in his hands. He had all of the potential to be a great QB at Arizona, in the Pac-12 and in the nation.
Life is difficult and throws obstacles at us left and right. Sometimes we can bounce back and revive what was lost, while other times we have to move on. It’s sad to see Anu end his career with Arizona and transfer, but fans should understand his decision, applaud him and wish him all the best in his future. He will join Cody Ippolito who will be transferring and playing out his final year at another school.
Next: Scooby Wright III Coming Back Home to Play for the Arizona Cardinals
BEAR DOWN Anu Solomon! Thank you for all the great memories!