Qb, Buried In Depth Chart, Leaves WSU

Backup quarterback Kjell Nesen has decided to leave the football program, Washington State officials confirmed Friday.

In a Thursday meeting with WSU coach Mike Price and quarterbacks coach Eric Price, the redshirt freshman expressed a desire to play immediately and said he did not believe that would happen with the Cougars.

The coaching staff will help Nesen in his search for a new school, said WSU sports information director Rod Commons.

If Nesen transfers within the Pac-10, he will have to sit out two years. At any other Division I-A program, Nesen would be required to sit out one year.

Nesen (6-foot-2, 190 pounds) was third on the depth chart coming out of spring practice. The Westlake Village, Calif., product enrolled in January of 1999 and never really found his spot.

The coaching staff praised his athleticism at quarterback, but with the depth at that position, it was obvious Nesen would not see any game time. So he was worked out at kicker. That also did not pan out. His progress was further hampered by a knee injury that kept him sidelined most of last season.

This spring, Nesen showed some ability, but during extended play in the spring game, his numbers were mediocre - 5 of 11 for 48 yards with an interception.

It is likely that senior wide receiver Paul Mencke will now become the emergency quarterback behind starter Jason Gesser and second stringer Matt Kegel. Mencke split playing time at the quarterback spot with Steve Birnbaum two seasons ago before making the move to wide receiver last season.

Washington State signed one quarterback during the recruiting season. Prosser’s Tali Ena (6-4, 210) will enroll in the fall.