Tyree Jackson opts for the draft

Buffalo head coach Lance Leipold issued the following statement this morning through UB Athletics.

“Tyree and I have communicated throughout the process. As I previously stated, we support Tyree and always want what is best for him. Though we are disappointed he will not return for his fifth season in our program, we are proud of Tyree for earning his degree and happy and excited for him and his family as he enters this next chapter! He will always be a Bull.”

Jackson is likely a day one pick, maybe even an edge first rounder.

This means that the Bulls will have a new quarterback next season.

In the running for the spot are:

Kyle Vantrease - Sophomore, 6-3 230

Based on depth charts and experience Vantrease may be considered the early front runner to take Jackson’s place on the team.

He did make a start against Northern Illinois in 2017 when both Jackson and Drew Anderson were hurt. He was also the backup most of this season.

Dominic Johnson Sophomore, 6-5 220

The Canadian prospect has been around as long as Vantrease, even been the backup on the game day roster a few times.

More than that he plays a bit more like Tyree Jackson than Kyle Vantrease, so if you’re looking for someone to plug into the system this may give him a leg up.

Matt Myers Freshman, 6-4 220

A local star and one of the better local quarterbacks of the past half dozen or so years.

Myers was the 2017 Buffalo News Western New York Player of the Year and a two-time All-WNY First Team player. In addition to this he won the 2017 Connolly Cup after throwing for 2,397 yards running for 1,037 more.

This past season he played in one game, against Bowling Green, but didn’t accumulate any stats.

He could be a dark horse for the job this summer if he plays well in the spring. His game matches the system, and he was solid enough this year to not only be on the sideline but get into a game.

Trevor Bycznski Incoming Prep, 6-5 220

This was a last minute steal from Rice, and a good one at that had offers from Rice and Bowling Green, and interest from several other schools. Great stats and one of the better prep quarterbacks in Ohio this time around.