Tyler Bruggman to Louisville

Tyler Bruggman will be transferring to Kentucky’s Louisville University to play for coach Bobby Petrino, as first reported by Mike Hughes of InsideTheVille.com (reading this article requires a 24/7 Network subscription). Bruggman redshirted last year after signing with Washington State in 2012 as coach Mike Leach’s most highly-anticipated recruit to date.

Bruggman ran the scout team during his redshirt season and drew praise from coaches and was widely considered to be the next logical choice at quarterback after senior starter Connor Halliday graduates, but struggled to hold of walk-on quarterback Luke Falk during spring football. He surprised teammates and coaches with his recent decision to leave the program.

Leach addressed Bruggman’s transfer at media day on Wednesday, acknowledging that the Cougars do not have much depth at the position (backup quarterback Austin Apodaca also transferred this offseason) but said that the extra practice reps will be good for Falk.

If Bruggman transferred in search of playing time than his choice of destinations is curious. Louisville already has eight quarterbacks on the roster fighting to replace Teddy Bridgewater. Bruggman will almost certainly have to sit out this season, and will compete in 2015 as a redshirt sophomore with three years to play.