Andrew Leclair made it official on Tuesday.
LeClair, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound linebacker who led Kansas University’s football team in tackles last season, will transfer to North Dakota State.
LeClair, a junior-to-be, told KU coach Terry Allen of his plans on Tuesday.
“It was very tough,” LeClair said about his decision. “I have a lot of friends here, and I think KU will have a very good team this fall, and go to a bowl game. I’ve enjoyed everything at KU.”
LeClair stressed his decision to leave is strictly an academic one. LeClair wants to pursue a degree in animal science, a curriculum unavailable on Mount Oread.
In addition, his wife Lindsey is a veterinary technician. LeClair married his high school sweetheart on June 3.
A native of Mayville, N.D., LeClair and his wife will be transferring to a school located only 40 minutes from their hometown. NDSU is in Fargo.
When LeClair enrolled at Kansas in the fall of 1997, he intended to pursue a degree in business.
“That didn’t work out here,” LeClair said. “I’ve always enjoyed livestock and farming. I worked at a farm for a guy when I was in high school in Mayville.”
LeClair, whose father Jim attended North Dakota U. and later played for the Cincinnati Bengals, was red-shirted during the 1997 season. In 1998, LeClair played in nine games, starting two. Last fall, LeClair started all 12 games and led the Jayhawks in tackles with 102.
Because North Dakota State is an NCAA Div. II school, LeClair will be eligible right away. LeClair said he plans to play for the Bison this fall, although he won’t receive a scholarship until next spring. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
LeClair is dropping two levels in NCAA competition, but isn’t concerned.
“It doesn’t really matter,” he said. “I’m more concerned about the academics.”
KU coach Allen is, of course, concerned about losing his leading tackler, but says he understands.
“I fully support him in making academics a priority in his future plans,” Allen said. “Andrew is a quality person and a good football player who has made a positive contribution to our program.”
Allen said LeClair’s decision may force Kansas to change its defensive philosophy.
“We have been talking about going from a three-man to a four-man front,” Allen said, “and this might push us a little further in that direction.”
Marcus Rogers, a 6-1, 235-pound junior-to-be from Dallas, Texas, is LeClair’s likely replacement.
