Former Mississippi State Starting QB Enters Transfer Portal

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Former Mississippi State starting quarterback Garrett Shrader announced on Tuesday that he has entered the transfer portal and plans to leave the program.

Shrader, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, took to Twitter to announce his decision.

“I would like to thank my teammates, coaches and Mississippi State fan base that has supported me during my time at MSU. I have had the opportunity to develop friendships that will last a lifetime. Starkville is a special place,” Shrader said. “This is not an easy decision but I am a QB and it’s the skill set that got me here and fortunately I have been blessed to play in the SEC. With this being said, I have three years of eligibility and have entered the transfer portal. I wish nothing but the best for Mississippi State University and especially Mississippi State Football. My recruitment is 100% open. Please respect my decision.”

A former four-star dual-threat prospect who compiled 9,023 yards and 107 touchdowns at Charlotte Christian School, Shrader was recruited by former MSU head coach Joe Moorhead to be the future of the Mississippi State football program.

Shrader appeared in 10 games and started four at quarterback as a freshman last year. He completed 88 of 153 passes for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns. He also added 113 rushes for 587 yards and six touchdowns.

In his first career start against Kentucky, he completed 17 of 22 passes for 180 yards. He also carried the ball 11 times for 125 yards rushing. He earned Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week honors for that performance.

Once Mississippi State hired Mike Leach to be the next head football coach, Shrader’s future at quarterback for the Bulldogs was all but over.

Leach’s Air Raid offense is a completely different system than what Moorhead runs. And because of that, Shrader made the transition to wide receiver prior to this season. He appeared in all four of Mississippi State’s games this season, but his only stat is an 8-yard catch in Week 2’s loss to Arkansas.

Shrader will retain his year of eligibility due to the NCAA’s blanket eligibility waiver, and will again be a sophomore at his new school in 2021.