East Carolina QB Kurt Benkert to transfer

Posted April 25, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) - East Carolina says quarterback Kurt Benkert is transferring.

First-year coach Scottie Montgomery announced Benkert's decision Monday. The rising redshirt junior is scheduled to graduate next month and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

The announcement came a week after the Pirates wrapped up spring practice.

Benkert won the starting job during preseason camp in 2015, before injuring his right knee and missing the season. He played in three games as a redshirt freshman behind Shane Carden in 2014.

He says the decision came after "a lot of sleepless nights" but adds that it's "in my best interest to explore other options for graduate school."

Montgomery says he was disappointed to hear Benkert's decision, but "our immediate focus needs to remain on Pirates who want to be Pirates."

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