Riley Dodge leaving UNT

UNT quarterback Riley Dodge said today he plans to transfer to another program. Here's a statement he released just a few minutes ago:

“I have loved my time at North Texas. I have many friends and teammates that I will miss greatly. I hope all the best for North Texas football as it enters a new era and a great new stadium. Under the circumstances that I have been presented, I feel it is in the best interest for all, for me to seek a transfer at this time.”

According to ESPN Dallas, it appears Dodge is headed to the FCS ranks, perhaps Stephen F. Austin or another school in search of an experienced quarterback.

It's a shame Dodge has to go, but by the sound of his statement, things couldn't have ended well for him at UNT as far as his football career if he wanted to continue to play quarterback. His throwing arm, it appears, has recovered from various injuries to the point that he feels he can be productive in his last two years of college for some program out there. As for being the son of the coach who was fired and replaced by the current coach, well, it's probably best that both sides cut their losses. Again, too bad, because Dan McCarney had in Dodge one of the most balls-out effort guys (on and off the field) UNT has seen in recent years.

I always felt that critics of Todd Dodge unfairly cross-associated Riley with him and complained about this or that (being brittle, arm strength, decision-making, his father's "agenda" to play him, etc.). In fact, Dodge wasn't supposed to be on the QB radar in 2010 but was forced into action rather unfortunately due to injuries at the position. In two seasons, he played well enough for UNT to win several more games than it did, but horrendous defense and special teams lost more games than did the offense -- despite some penalties and turnovers.

Dodge never said no to any change of role, be it quarterback or receiver or off-season experiments at various places on special teams. There were more than a few players who flat-out refused to do what they were asked to do. Dodge never did that. Yeah, his dad was the coach, so it was unlikely he'd fuss about much, but you and I saw what kind of punishment that kid took more than once in vulnerable situations. He could have easily said, "No, I'm not into getting my ass kicked anymore," but he never did.

Maybe we'll see more of Riley Dodge in the FCS playoffs down the road in 2011 or 2012. Here's hoping we do.