[Goose]

KJ isn't stupid. If he stayed at Stanford and lost the competition (if there was to be one) as starter, his future draft position is severely negatively impacted. He would have no "next year" to go someplace else. Going elsewhere where he knew that he was going to be the starter had to be number one priority. He had no margin for error. Maybe if Shaw promised him the starting job, he could remain at Stanford. However, do you take the risk that you get replaced by Mills after a bad game and never see the field again? I think not. Granted, that could happen if you transfer as well, in theory, but if you are clearly better than the alternatives it isn't probable. At Stanford, KJ wasn't clearly better than Mills, so it could happen.

Shaw OTOH has a problem if he promises KJ the starting job. Mills would now be in a position that year after next would be his only chance as a starter without any guarantee that he wouldn't be overtaken by McKee. Under those conditions, Mills might have considered transferring. Shaw could have been left with only McKee if both guys decided they were better off elsewhere.

I think everybody concerned is better off the way it turned out, and I think all three would agree that is the case. KJ got his degree and can go study football in another system. Adds to the resume for sure. Mills is the obvious starter and has two years to establish his reputation. Shaw doesn't risk a QB controversy or both guys leaving. Best of all possible outcomes.

[Goose]

KJ isn't stupid. If he stayed at Stanford and lost the competition (if there was to be one) as starter, his future draft position is severely negatively impacted. He would have no "next year" to go someplace else. Going elsewhere where he knew that he was going to be the starter had to be number one priority. He had no margin for error. Maybe if Shaw promised him the starting job, he could remain at Stanford. However, do you take the risk that you get replaced by Mills after a bad game and never see the field again? I think not. Granted, that could happen if you transfer as well, in theory, but if you are clearly better than the alternatives it isn't probable. At Stanford, KJ wasn't clearly better than Mills, so it could happen.

Shaw OTOH has a problem if he promises KJ the starting job. Mills would now be in a position that year after next would be his only chance as a starter without any guarantee that he wouldn't be overtaken by McKee. Under those conditions, Mills might have considered transferring. Shaw could have been left with only McKee if both guys decided they were better off elsewhere.

I think everybody concerned is better off the way it turned out, and I think all three would agree that is the case. KJ got his degree and can go study football in another system. Adds to the resume for sure. Mills is the obvious starter and has two years to establish his reputation. Shaw doesn't risk a QB controversy or both guys leaving. Best of all possible outcomes.