Former Jordan QB Kafentzis' appeal denied by NCAA


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RENO — When former Jordan High quarterback Austin Kafentzis signed with Wisconsin last year, he thought he was pledging to a program built by former University of Utah assistant and Utah State head coach Gary Andersen.

When Andersen left for Oregon State last spring, Kafentzis sought other options and transferred to Nevada. He appealed to the NCAA to become eligible immediately in his recent transfer after spring ball but before the regular season

The appeal was denied by college athletics' governing body, as first reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal's Chris Murray late Monday.

Nevada's waiver for QB Austin Kafentzis, a transfer from Wisconsin, to be eligible immediately denied by NCAA. He must sit out this season. — Chris Murray (@MurrayRGJ) September 14, 2015

Kafentzis was likely looking to redshirt the 2015-16 season, regardless of the decision, after his status remained in limbo for the first two weeks of the Wolfpack's season — and Nevada coach Brian Polian had already named his starting quarterback going forward.

The former Utah Gatorade player of the year competed for Wisconsin's track and field team last spring, placing 11th at the Big Ten championship meet in the javelin throw. But he finished fifth on the depth chart under new Badgers football coach Paul Chryst and didn't stick around Madison, Wisconsin for his track and field career.

Now the move makes even more sense as the former Utah prep standout who owns 15 state records will have four years to play four beginning with the 2016-17 season.

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