K-State quarterback Lopina to transfer

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Apr 29, 2006 by Tim Bisel

By Tim Bisel

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Redshirt freshman Kevin Lopina has decided to pass on Kansas State's quarterback competition.

K-State coach Ron Prince said Friday that Lopina intends to transfer to a school closer to his hometown of Pleasanton, Calif.

"We wish him nothing but the best of luck as he pursues his athletic and academic goals," Prince said.

Lopina was among five quarterbacks vying for the right to direct Prince's new West Coast offense. His departure leaves seniors Dylan Meier and Allen Webb, sophomore Allan Evridge and true freshman Josh Freeman as QBs still in the mix.

K-State athletic director Tim Weiser said he hasn't yet signed off on Lopina's release from his financial aid agreement. But Weiser indicated he would sign it provided Lopina is in good academic standing and the move is in the best interest of both the player and university.

In a statement posted on GoPowercat.com Thursday night, Lopina said he has been pondering a move since former coach Bill Snyder announced his retirement last November.

"At this time, I have not contacted any schools or coaches and have no idea where I will be attending college in the fall," he said. "Most of my prior scholarship offers were from the Pac-10, Mountain West and WAC conferences. In the very near future, I will be in contact with these universities and coaches to discuss my future."

Mountain West member San Diego State likely will be on his radar. The Aztecs, under first-year coach Chuck Long, feature three members of K-State's former staff - defensive coordinator Bobby Elliott, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Del Miller and defensive line coach Joe Bob Clements.

Under NCAA rules, Lopina would be required to sit out a year if he transfers to another Division I program.

Lopina threw for nearly 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior at renowned De La Salle (Calif.) High School, but he appeared to be the Wildcats' fifth option during last week's spring game. The 6- foot-3, 220-pounder completed just two of three passes for 24 yards and committed a fumble in his Purple squad's 21-14 loss.

Ex-Cat signee joins Ole Miss, Kennedy

Former K-State signee Kenny Williams will play basketball for a former Cincinnati coach after all. It just won't be Bob Huggins.

Williams signed a scholarship agreement Thursday with Mississippi and first-year coach Andy Kennedy, who took the Ole Miss job in March after serving as Huggins' interim replacement at Cincinnati last season.

A 6-8, 240-pounder from St. Petersburg (Fla.) College, Williams averaged 17.6 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks last season .

"With his experience and productivity at the junior college level, Kenny should make an immediate impact next year," Kennedy said.

Williams initially signed a letter of intent with K-State last fall, long before Huggins replaced Jim Wooldridge as the Wildcats' coach. But when Huggins and his staff continued recruiting for next year's class amid recent reports that Williams might be an academic casualty, it became clear he no longer was part of K-State's plans.

The Wildcats have one known scholarship to give and are pursuing point guard Stefhon Hannah, of Chipola (Fla.) College, and forward Luis Colon, of Krop High School in Miami. Hannah will visit K-State on May 11, and GoPowercat.com reported Friday that Colon will visit Manhattan on Wednesday.

Hannah is a 6-1 product of Chicago who averaged about 15 points and seven assists last season. Colon is a 6-10 former AAU teammate of recent K-State signee Jason Bennett.

Tim Bisel can be reached at (785) 295-1289 or tim.bisel@cjonline.com.