Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya announced through the school Monday he will forgo his senior season with the Hurricanes and enter the 2017 NFL Draft.
Kaaya, who is Miami's all-time leader in passing yards (9,968), completions (720) and attempts (1,188), started 38 games during his three-year career with the Hurricanes. He threw 27 touchdowns against seven interceptions in his first year playing under coach Mark Richt, the best ratio of his career as a starter.
"While I am looking forward to pursuing my future endeavors, I am going to miss our fans, media, students, administrators, coaches, families and most importantly my teammates, who were with me through the good times and the tough times," Kaaya said in a release.
"Attending a university this far from home wasn't the easiest transition initially, but this program provided me a home away from home ever since my arrival in 2014. Since then I have registered as a resident of Florida and am proud to call Miami my long-term home. I plan to be involved with the University of Miami moving forward as I pursue my degree in communications. I also will give back to this university and South Florida community, two places that had such a positive impact on my life. I look forward to watching Coach Richt and his staff, and our team do even bigger and better things for years to come.
"This was one of the toughest decisions of my life, however, I have zero worries that The U will indeed be back. No matter who is under center next season, I have no doubt in my mind they will have the platform and the resources around them to bring a major championship back to Coral Gables. Miami will forever hold a special place in my heart and I am proud to say that I will always be a Miami Hurricane."
The news that Kaaya is leaving Miami doesn't come as much of a surprise. Before the season many projected that this would be Kaaya's final year in Coral Gables, and he was seen as a possible first-round draft pick. Perhaps even an early first-round pick.
His stock has fallen a bit over the course of the season, however; he's now projected to be selected on Day 2. Of course, when it comes to quarterbacks and the NFL Draft, things change rapidly. The things about Kaaya that made him so appealing to NFL scouts before the season -- his size, arm, etc. -- are all still there, and will be on display at the combine. Plus, while he got off to a slow start in 2016, he finished really well under Richt's tutelage.
The Hurricanes finished the season with a five-game winning streak, and in those five games Kaaya passed for 1,548 yards, 14 touchdowns and one interception.
That's the kind of game tape NFL teams will enjoy watching.
