CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 30: Chase Litton #14 of the Marshall Thundering Herd throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half at Nippert Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chase Litton left school early to go pro, and his college coach from Marshall said the move surprised him.

Shortly after the 2018 NFL Draft concluded, the Kansas City Chiefs extended several contracts to undrafted free agents as well as tryouts to rookie minicamp in an effort to further their search for young talent. Among the prospects was the lone quarterback prospect among players drafted or invited or signed: Chase Litton, the former starting quarterback for Marshall.

Litton stood out among the names not only because he was a quarterback but because the Chiefs also seem like a ripe spot for such a prospect to stick. The Chiefs lacked a developmental option on the roster before Litton’s arrival, given the fact that Patrick Mahomes is now the starter from Week 1, and the choices behind Mahomes also have a very clear ceiling.

Litton actually has a pretty nice shot at making the roster, assuming he steps up and seizes the opportunity in front of him. Chad Henne is locked in as the No. 2 quarterback for only two seasons and then the Chiefs will be looking once again. At No. 3 is another veteran in former Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin, and there’s simply no reason for the Chiefs to keep McGloin around unless Litton truly is so far behind the curve. Even then, the practice squad could be an option in case he’s not quite ready for the active roster and the Chiefs remain interested in his potential.

Despite being given a decent opportunity to land a spot on the Chiefs active roster, Litton’s college coach, Doc Holliday, expressed surprise recently that Litton decided to make the jump in the first place.

“I was a little surprised,” Holliday said. “Unfortunately sometimes agents get in kids’ ears and they make the decisions they shouldn’t make, but we wish him the best. He is with the Kansas City Chiefs right now, we will see how it goes.”

That’s a bit disconcerting to read on this side—a kid’s college coach insinuating that he wasn’t ready and that he was fooled into taking a chance on the pros. Perhaps that plays into the Chiefs’ hands, if in fact Litton would have been drafted higher next year had he developed another year in college. Then again, the Chiefs might essentially show they agree with Holliday by releasing him at some point in the near future.

Only time will tell on Litton and his decision, but for now, his college coach and current agent seem to be at odds with one another in how they would have encouraged the Marshall product about his pro future. Given the decision has already been made, it’s time for everyone to root for Litton. He certainly has the perfect opportunity.