Houston quarterback D’Eriq King redshirting, plans to return to Houston in 2020

After a 1-3 start in 2019, Houston quarterback D’Eriq King will redshirt and plans to return to the program in 2020.

The Houston Cougars’ devastating loss to the Tulane Green Wave on Thursday night has gone from bad to worse. Not only did the Cougars surrender the game-winning touchdown on a 53-yard strike, but it seems that starting quarterback D’Eriq King has had enough.

King will redshirt this season and plans to return to the program in 2020. Houston receiver Keith Corbin also plans to redshirt with plans of returning next year.

King will have one more year of eligibility remaining. He could also be eligible to play immediately next year elsewhere as a grad transfer if he elects to change his mind and move on from Houston.

“I came here to play football for the University of Houston and that is not changing, King said in a statement released by the school. After carefully thinking through this process with my family and Coach 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.”

Houston is 1-3 after the Cougars’ brutal loss to Tulane last week. This is the first year with Dana Holgorsen back in Houston, and the speculation is the relationship between he and King wasn’t ideal.

In part of four years at Houston, King completed 61.8 percent of his passes for 4,925 yards, 50 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, averaging 8.2 yards per attempt and boasting a passing efficiency rating of 155.4.

King was also an excellent playmaker with his legs. He had 253 carries for 1,421 yards and 28 touchdowns. He just broke Tim Tebow’s record with his 15th consecutive game with a passing and rushing touchdown.

King even had 59 catches for 504 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver, albeit mostly early in his Houston career. He’s not viewed as an NFL prospect at quarterback and is viewed as a future wide receiver and/or punt returner at the next level.

It remains to be seen if King will want to play another position with the hopes of increasing his NFL potential or why he’s shutting it down after four games. It’s just weird.

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