Transfer ends QB Harris’ disappointing LSU career

Former four-star recruit lost job two games into season.

Brandon Harris is transferring from LSU.

The quarterback published a message on Twitter last week announcing that “the best decision for me and my future is to transfer away from LSU.” He noted that Tigers coach Ed Orgeron granted him a full release.

Harris threw for 2,756 yards and 20 touchdowns for LSU from 2014-16. He also had 370 yards rushing with seven touchdowns.

Harris entered the 2016 season as the Tigers’ starting quarterback. He had just 139 yards passing with a touchdown and two interceptions in games against Wisconsin and Jacksonville State before Danny Etling took over as LSU’s starter.

Etling went on to throw for 2,123 yards with 11 touchdowns during the Tigers’ 8-4 season that included a victory against Louisville in the Citrus Bowl.

Harris, a former 4-star recruit, never lived up to high expectations during his stay in Baton Rouge. The Tigers were thought to contend for an SEC West title in 2016, especially with explosive running back Leonard Fournette featured in the backfield. Neither vision was realized with an underwhelming 2-2 start that included the firing of former coach Les Miles.

Now by moving on, Harris can start fresh elsewhere. Because he likely will graduate before the 2017 football season, Harris can transfer to another FBS team and immediately be eligible.

Etling, a senior, is one of five quarterbacks on the roster ahead of the Tigers’ spring football workouts.

New oaks coming to Toomer’s Corner

Auburn University is once again replacing its landmark oak trees at Toomer’s Corner.

The current trees were planted there after a University of Alabama fan poisoned the original Toomer’s oaks.

Toomer’s Corner is a traditional gathering for Auburn fans to celebrate football victories by rolling the trees with toilet paper. A German man pleaded guilty last month to setting fire to paper on one of the trees after a game.

The new trees will be slightly smaller than the original replacements. University horticulturist Gary Keever said smaller trees generally fare better than older ones when they’re being transplanted.

Fans won’t be allowed to roll the new trees until they’re older.

K-State coach Snyder has throat cancer

Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder has been diagnosed with throat cancer, though treatments are going well and he expects to be on the field when Kansas State begins spring practice next month.

The 77-year-old Snyder addressed his health in a statement last week, shortly after rumors began to circulate that he was seeking treatment for an undisclosed illness. Snyder said he has been receiving outpatient treatment for about three weeks at The University of Kansas Hospital with consultation from the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

He said specialists at both medical centers “projected a positive outcome.”

GETTY IMAGES Brandon Harris said leaving LSU is “the best decision for me and my future” after losing the starting QB job. Harris is likely to be immediately eligible elsewhere.