By STAFF REPORTS

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Former Sequoyah High School and University of Mississippi junior quarterback Nathan Stanley has left the Rebels program.

Stanley was one of the country’s most sought after quarterback recruits in 2008, when he chose Mississippi over schools such as Oregon State, Maryland and Louisiana Tech.

The Cherokee Nation citizen’s departure on April 13 was confirmed by head coach Houston Nutt in a statement from the university. 

“After meeting tonight, Nathan has decided to leave the program. I wish him the best and I am going to help him find a new school. I appreciate all that he has done for Ole Miss and the type of student athlete he has been,” said Nutt.

Stanley was the starting quarterback last fall before Oregon transfer Jeremiah Masoli took over. Stanley started the season opener against Jacksonville State, going 6-of-10 for 133 yards and three touchdowns. Masoli took over after that and Stanley only saw the field three more times last season. 

With Masoli gone, Stanley figured to get the majority of the action at quarterback this spring, but improvements by junior college transfer Randall Mackey, who redshirted last season; junior college transfer Zack Stoudt; and West Virginia transfer Barry Brunetti diminished his reps. 

Stanley finishes his career at Ole Miss going 28-for-55 for 424 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. As of press time, Stanley had not commented on a destination to continue his career.