West Virginia quarterback Will Grier will not play with his team at the Camping World Bowl because he wants to focus on preparing for the 2019 NFL Draft.<\/b>
\nDec. 8 (UPI) — West Virginia quarterback Will Grier will not play with his team at the Camping World Bowl because he wants to focus on preparing for the 2019 NFL Draft.
Grier announced his decision in a statement released by the Mountaineers on Saturday. The 6-foot-2,214-pound redshirt senior completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,864 yards, 37 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 11 games this season.
The Mountaineers face the Syracuse Orange at 5:15 p.m. on Dec. 28 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
Grier, 23, is expected to be a first or second round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. He graduated from the school in December with a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies.
Mountaineers coach Dana Holgorsen said he is „fully supportive“ of Grier’s decision to sit out.
„Will and I spoke at length about the bowl game, and I am fully supportive of his decision to begin preparing for the NFL Draft,“ Holgorsen said. „While we will miss him in Orlando, Will’s commitment and service to WVU Football over the last three years will be talked about for many years to come. He led us with class, hard work and a willingness to learn, and set a high standard for his teammates. He will always be part of our family, and we wish him, Jeanne and Eloise all the best in pursuit of their dreams.“
Grier was a Heisman Trophy contender this season. He also finished as a finalist for the Maxwell Award, the Manning Award, Walter Camp Football Foundation Player of the Year Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.<\/p>\n