Former NDSU starting QB Mohler, will try playing elsewhere

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FARGO — North Dakota State, which had more depth at quarterback this spring than it has had in at least a decade, lost one this week. Junior Jose Mohler told the Bison coaching staff that he is transferring.

Mohler played in some big games last season including a 6-3 win over Kansas and was instrumental in a big second half in a 42-17 Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoff victory at Montana State.

Head coach Craig Bohl said Thursday he was unsure of Mohler’s future destination.

“He made a decision that he is looking for another school that will fit his skill set at quarterback,” Bohl said. “We wish him well.”

Bohl said Mohler is in the process of finishing final exams at NDSU and will make a decision after that. He finished spring football as the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart behind sophomore Brock Jensen and freshman Esley Thorton, and that most likely played a factor in his decision.

“I think he’s looking at an opportunity for him to compete right now,” Bohl said. “Jose is a good quarterback. But we also feel we have two guys ahead of him.”

Bohl said Dante Perez, who was moved to receiver for the annual Spring Game, will open fall camp as the No. 3 quarterback. Two incoming freshmen — Carson Wentz from Bismarck and Ryan Stanford from Phoenix — will also compete for the third spot.

The 6-foot, 183-pound Mohler finished his Bison career completing 144 of 244 passes (59 percent) for 1,816 yards. He started the final four games of 2009 and seven of the 14 games last fall.

Don’t expect Mohler to end up at Minnesota State Moorhead. Dragons head coach Steve Laqua said he hasn’t been in contact with Mohler.

“We’re comfortable with our quarterback position right now,” Laqua said.

Kolpack is a sports reporter for

The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, which is owned by Forum Communications Co.

Tags: jose mohler, college football, sports, bison, ndsu