Linebacker Andrew LeClair, a junior-to-be from Mayville, N.D., who led the Jayhawks last season with 102 total tackles, has decided to transfer to North Dakota State to pursue an animal science degree not offered at KU, his mother said Friday night.

If LeClair does follow through with his plans Kansas officials hope coach Terry Allen, in Scotland until Sunday on a golf trip, will be able to change LeClair’s mind he would be KU’s second significant loss this offseason.

Versatile running back/wide receiver Henrhilds left just after spring semester and will transfer to Colorado State, where he’ll have two years of eligibility after sitting out a year in accordance with NCAA transfer guidelines.

While Childs’ decision to leave stemmed from his perceived misuse rather than being allowed to develop at running back, he was shuttled between several positions LeClair’s plan centers on his educational interests and his wife’s.

LeClair was married a week ago. His wife, Lindsay, is interested in veterinary technology.

“NDSU offers the major he wants and that his new bride wants,” said Betty LeClair, Andrew’s mother. “He just decided he needs to get the major he’s interested in. It’s just an idea of, ‘What do I want to be when I grow up?’ He really wants to work with animals, and with his new wife, KU wasn’t suiting his needs that way. He’s growing up. He’s almost done with school and he wants to end up with a degree he can utilize.”

The decision to leave KU wasn’t easy, Betty LeClair said.

“He had a good time there,” she said. “It was a real tough decision. He’s been thinking about it quite awhile, but he’s not one to sit around and talk to people about what’s going on inside his head.”

Curiously, LeClair is transferring to NDSU, the primary rival of the alma mater of his father, Jim, who attended the University of North Dakota. Jim LeClair, who went on to play with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals from 1972-83, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame last summer.

“NDSU is the University of North Dakota’s big rival,” Betty LeClair said with a laugh. “It’s like KU-K-State. But Jim’s OK with it. He wants what’s best for Andrew.”

Losing LeClair, a 6-foot-6, 255-pounder, would be a blow to the Jayhawks. He started all 12 games last season and two the year before as a red-shirt freshman. He has 111 career total tackles and two sacks.

An honorable mention All-Big 12 pick a year ago, LeClair emerged from spring drills No. 2 at inside linebacker, in part because KU is loaded at the position and plans to rotate frequently.

Kansas coaches were mum on LeClair’s plans.

“I don’t know anything for sure yet,” said Darrell Wyatt, KU’s assistant head coach. “I don’t know for sure, so I won’t have a comment. We’ll know more on Monday.”

Allen will return from Scotland on Sunday and could try to convince LeClair to stay on Monday.

“I don’t know anything about that,” Betty LeClair said. “I think Andrew’s pretty much made up his mind.”

Because NDSU, located in Fargo near LeClair’s hometown, is an NCAA Div. II school, LeClair would be eligible to play immediately.