QB Nick Mitchell leaves OSU football program

Gary Horowitz | Statesman Journal

CORVALLIS - I expected to see roster movement in the Oregon State football program once the 2015 season ended and the defections began Monday.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Nick Mitchell, junior linebacker Malik Gilmore, junior defensive end Luke Hollingsworth, and sophomore cornerback Chris Hayes have elected to leave the football program, coach Gary Andersen announced Monday.

Mitchell's decision comes as no surprise. Freshman Seth Collins is a dynamic playmaker at quarterback and potentially as a wide receiver, and redshirt freshman quarterback Marcus McMaryion played well in Friday's 52-42 loss to Oregon in the Civil War.

Darell Garrestson, a transfer from Utah State who sat out this season due to NCAA transfer rules, is the frontrunner to start at quarterback in 2016 and he'll have two years of eligibility remaining. Incoming freshman Mason Moran from Chandler, Arizona, will give the Beavers four quarterbacks.

In four starts at quarterback, Mitchell completed 51 of 113 passes (45.1 percent) for 571 yards and three touchdowns with four interceptions. His older brother, senior Josh Mitchell, was the Beavers' starting center the last two seasons.

"I want to thank coach Andersen for the opportunity at Oregon State and wish all my teammates outstanding success in the future," Nick Mitchell said in a statement.

Mitchell would have to sit out next season if he transfers to another Football Bowl Subdivision school per NCAA rules, but would be eligible immediately at a lower-division program.

Gilmore arrived at OSU as a wide receiver, but switched to linebacker this season. He intends to transfer following graduation summer term, and would be eligible to compete immediately at any level as a fifth-year senior.

Hollingsworth, who appeared in eight career games, also plans to transfer following his graduation summer term and would be eligible to play immediately at another school.

Hayes was a member of the football program for three years as a scout team cornerback.

"Change is not always easy, but these young men embraced it and made valuable contributions to help build the foundation of this program, and we thank them for that," Andersen said in a statement.

Don't be surprised to see more roster moves before spring practice.