On Monday, the University of Houston’s senior quarterback D’Eriq King and their second-leading receiver Keith Corbin announced they will not play the remainder of the season. They will both redshirt for the season. There is no injury. They are not suspended. They are simply taking the time to focus on their academics.
King said in a statement released by the school. “After carefully thinking through this process with my family and Coach [Dana] Holgorsen, I have decided the opportunity to redshirt this season gives me the best chance to develop as a player, earn my degree and set me up for the best success in the future. I’m looking forward to being a part of the success of this program going forward.”
Likewise, Corbin stated “I came here to play football for the University of Houston and that is not changing. Having the opportunity to take time and focus on the completion of my degree, plus having the chance to develop as a student-athlete is why I have decided to redshirt for the remainder of the 2019 season. Coach Holgorsen, myself and my family both took time to make this decision. Being a Cougar has been one of the best decisions I have made, and I’m ready to take this time to help our program developed for the future.”
The Cougars are off to a 1-3 start with losses to Oklahoma, Washington State and Tulane. D’Eriq King has started all of them; Corbin has started three of the four.
Per the NCAA’s rule established in 2018, players are allowed to play up to four games in the season and retain a year of eligibility. This means both King and Corbin will get the opportunity to play another year for Houston. Both have expressed interest in returning. In fact, both King and Corbin will remain in the program and participate in team activities. They just won’t see any playing time.
Last season, King set the American Athletic Conference record with 50 touchdowns. He has thrown for 663 yards and six touchdowns while completing 52% of his passes this season alone.
A dual threat, King is the team’s leading rusher with 312 yards and six touchdowns. He has thrown and rushed for a touchdown in 15 consecutive games, breaking the FBS record previously held by Florida’s Tim Tebow. That is how important King is for Houston.
On the other hand, Corbin has caught 11 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns this season. He started each game of the past two seasons and was second in the AAC in 2018 with ten touchdown receptions.
For some, this might seem like an act of selfishness. Since the news, I have seen tweets about UH throwing away it’s season. Fans have accused Coach Holgerson about not caring for a win. Is a win not as important as the athlete’s well being?
Unpopular opinion, but I think what head football coach Dana Holgorsen and the University of Houston are doing in advising the team’s best players to sit out the remainder of the season is actually pretty smart; both for the players’ and for the team’s future.
This year will give these guys the opportunity to evaluate where they stand as players. They can better evaluate the things they need to improve on and/or change to better serve their team. King, at least, has made it clear he wants to play for the NFL.
Let me make this very clear. King, who will soon graduate, will continue to practice with the team, but without games to prep for. He can return to being an athlete when he is in grad school next football season. He has not lost his spot on the team. He can come back next season better prepared to help the team where they lack.
Both King and Corbin will have the chance to evaluate and modify their play to help the University of Houston in the future. Don’t give up those season tickets in 2020. It’s not the end of the world. They will be back.
