Godfrey gone after one season

It looks like it’s one and done for Stump Godfrey.

The UNM sophomore left the Lobos following just one season, after head coach Mike Locksley announced that he approved a conditional release request July 19. He said he spoke to Godfrey, and they came to a mutual agreement.

Godfrey cannot transfer to Mountain West Conference schools or prospective opponents through the 2015 season; after sitting out for year, he has three years of eligibility left.

Quarterback B.R. Holbrook said Godfrey made a difficult decision, but in the end did what was best for him.

“The program is losing a really good quarterback and teammate, but right now we just need to be focused on the upcoming season and get ready for camp,” he said.

Godfrey started for and saw action in seven games last season. He would have competed with Holbrook and Tarean Austin for the Lobos’ starting quarterback position. Freshmen Dustin Walton and Kevin Chavez figure to be a part of that competition, but aren’t expected to see much playing time.

Godfrey, in the highlight of his short-lived Lobo career, led UNM to its only victory last season with a 34-31 win over Wyoming in November. He finished an impressive 16-of-20 for 211 yards. As a true freshman last season, he threw for 553 yards and five touchdowns.

Holbrook and Austin have seen action, with Holbrook looking to be the No. 1 quarterback this season after an injury-plagued season last year. He was limited to four starts, but he said this year gives him a fresh start, and he’s determined to take the team to a bowl game.

“I won’t settle for anything less than a bowl game this season,” he said. “I think the rest of the guys in the locker room know that’s our goal, and we are doing everything we can to make that. We have some experience now, and that will help us this season. We all know what we are competing for.”

Holbrook played in 12 career games but is the most experienced quarterback on the roster, and that’s something he will lean on if he’s named the starter.

“I have been here for two years already, and I think that that is going to help me this season,” he said. “My experience from playing and watching is going to really help me out this coming year.”