While his Arizona Wildcats celebrated Saturday's New Mexico Bowl win over Nevada, Daniel Jenkins took a knee and stared at the University Stadium scoreboard.
For a few long minutes, the backup running back blinked away tears.
Now we know why.
Jenkins has left the UA program with hopes of transferring, coach Rich Rodriguez said Wednesday.
Jenkins graduated last week with a degree in public management and policy. NCAA rules allow him to join any program in the country and play right away, provided the school offers a graduate program unavailable at Arizona.
Jenkins rushed for a career-high 293 yards and two touchdowns this season as Ka'Deem Carey's backup. Given Carey's production and status, Jenkins likely would have remained a second-stringer as a senior.
Rodriguez said he doesn't know where Jenkins will end up, though he's likely to pick a program where he can start. The running back hails from Moreno Valley, Calif., and he may try to play closer to home.
"He's a good football player, and he's going to make a decision on what's best for him," Rodriguez said. "He's done everything right by the university with the way he's played, the way he's graduated and the way he's acted. … Just a great young man."
Scroggins on board
Quarterback Jesse Scroggins signed his letter of intent Wednesday morning and will enroll in school next month. Scroggins, a former USC player who spent last season at El Camino College in California, is expected to compete for the starting job next fall.
"We need more competition at all positions, and at quarterback we're going to get that," Rodriguez said. "I'm excited about Jesse. Like Matt Scott this year, he's a little bit of an older guy, he has a chip on his shoulder and wants to prove himself. He's a talented guy; he'll compete."
Scroggins fell down the depth chart and out of favor at USC before transferring to El Camino last summer. Playing in eight games this season, Scroggins completed 79 of 172 passes for 1,148 yards and eight touchdowns.
Scroggins joins a quarterback competition that includes returners B.J. Denker, Javelle Allen, Nick Isham and Josh Kern and incoming freshman Anu Solomon.
Extra points
• The UA, as expected, will pursue an NCAA hardship waiver for wide receiver Terrence Miller. Officials spent part of Saturday getting Miller's name out of the final statistics; wideout Tyler Slavin was wearing Miller's No. 18 jersey when he caught the game-winning touchdown from Scott. ESPN crews and the official statisticians initially identified Miller, who missed most of the season with various injuries, as the Wildcats' hero.
• The Wildcats added two more recruits Wednesday. Both are walk-ons. Orange Coast College tight end Nolan Heyer is the younger brother of former UA pitcher Kurt Heyer. San Clemente (Calif.) High School punter and place-kicker Bret Miller will also walk on. Miller's high school program made the announcement via Twitter.
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