Shortell will draw recruiters as he looks for transfer schools

Oct 27, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Shortell (11) against the Purdue Boilermakers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers defeated the Boilermakers 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Max Shotell is only a sophomore but he has already had experience in 15 games. That experience and the five starts he’s accumulated behind injuries to senior Marqueis Gray, will make him attractive to other Division I programs.

At times, Shotell has looked good, including throwing 231 yards and no interceptions in the first start of his sophomore season, leading the Gophers past Syracuse, 17-10.

Yet at other times, the three-star recruit from Kansas, has looked lost. His growing struggles were cut short by an injury and thereby pushing true freshman Philip Nelson into the starting role.

Shortell was essentially the player stuck between the graduating, veteran quarterback and the quarterback of the future.

Given that type of situation, like most players with undeniable talent, the “Red Rocket” was smart in his decision to look for greener pastures.

When he transfers, Shortell will have to sit out his junior year, but he could learn behind a senior quarterback and, as seamlessly as possible, take over as the starter in Shortell’s final year.

In full disclosure, it is interesting to point out that the head coach who brought Shortell to Minnesota, Tim Brewster, is currently coaching wide receivers at Mississippi State.

But according to Phil Miller of the Star Tribune, Shortell’s family expects several schools to come knocking with a gift of a scholarship.

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