DATE: November 27, 2002

Mike Connor

NEWARK, DE -- University of Delaware football head coach K.C. Keeler confirmed Wednesday that sophomore backup quarterback Mike Connor has been granted a release to transfer to another school.

Connor, a 6-4, 215 lb. quarterback from Wallingford, PA (Strath-Haven High School), made the decision following the Blue Hens' season-ending 38-34 loss to Villanova Saturday in which he saw his first action of the season. Connor, who was planning to take the 2002 year as a redshirt season, was pressed into action when starter Andy Hall, a junior, was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff earlier in the week. Hall had taken every snap this season until that point. Connor will have two years of college eligibility remaining.

Hall, a first-year transfer from Georgia Tech, underwent surgery Wednesday (Nov. 27) and will be out of action for four months, including spring practice. He will return as the team's starter for the 2003 season and will be backed up by a group of redshirt freshmen that includes Ryan Carty, Brad Michael, and Erec Spiese.

Connor enjoyed an outstanding game vs. 13th ranked and NCAA I-AA tournament-bound Villanova, hitting on 10 of 15 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed 15 times for 52 yards and two touchdowns on runs of 30 and 15 yards. His scoring pass was a 68-yarder to David Boler in the third quarter, the longest pass play of the season for Delaware.

"Mike is one of those special kinds of kids who you are fortunate to have as part of your program," said Keeler, who led the Blue Hens to a record of 6-6 in his first season as head coach, a season that saw his team lose six games by a total of just 26 points. "We certainly understand his decision. He is doing what he thinks will be best for him and his future. We will miss him and we wish him well. "

Connor was also pressed into duty during the 2001 season when he became the first true freshman to play quarterback for the Blue Hens since 1951. He started the final four games of the season for head coach Tubby Raymond, leading the Blue Hens to a 2-2 record while throwing for 508 yards and a touchdown. The Hens finished the season with a record of 4-6.

Connor, who did not announce which schools he was interested in transferring to, was an All-State selection and Delaware County Player of the Year at Strath-Haven High School where he led the team to two state titles.