Hansen's decision to transfer won't be detriment to Sooners

Published May. 28, 2015 4:48 p.m. ET

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Redshirt freshman Justice Hansen saw the writing on the wall.

His style isn't a natural fit with the Air Raid offense being installed by first-year Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley, and Hansen was standing in the back of a long line. He knew it was time to seek opportunity elsewhere.

Hansen grew up in nearby Edmond, Okla., just a 40-minute drive to Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, dreaming of one day wearing the crimson and white. On Wednesday, understanding he stood fourth in the quarterback pecking order, Hansen announced his intention to transfer.

Unless the Oklahoma coaching staff has terribly undervalued Hansen, his decision to leave Norman will likely be more personally disappointing than a detriment to the Sooners moving on in 2015 and beyond without a player that Stoops called "an outstanding team member."

As pointed out by the San Antonio Express-News, Hansen was allowed just five pass attempts during OU's spring game last month, in effect solidifying his status behind shaky incumbent Trevor Knight, Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield, who is now eligible to play, and even last year's backup Cody Thomas.

While the Sooners' depth at the game's most important position takes a bit of a ding in 2015 -- they'll have just three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster -- an immediate replacement is coming in walk-on Connor McGinnis. The Sooners didn't sign a quarterback in the 2015 recruiting class.

However, a four-star prospect is on the way. Kendall Austin, who seems a perfect fit for Riley's offense, has committed to the 2016 class.

Hansen's decision to transfer is just one of those unfortunate things that happens at every program. Only one quarterback can play, and with four seeking to become the starter next season, there were simply too many cooks in the kitchen.

(h/t San Antonio Express-News)

Photo Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports