asu qb keller transfers to nebraska

Arizona State quarterback Sam Keller transfers to Nebraska - From the AP, 23 August, 2006

Former Arizona State starting quarterback Sam Keller is now a Nebraska Cornhusker.

"He's excited to be here, and we're excited to have him," Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said Wednesday. Callahan spoke following his team's practice, which ended a few hours after Keller arrived in Lincoln.

Keller decided to leave Arizona State after Sun Devils coach Dirk Koetter demoted him to the second string on Sunday. Koetter announced Friday that Keller would be the Sun Devils' starting quarterback. On Sunday, he reversed course, picking Rudy Carpenter as his starter. Keller then asked to be released from his scholarship.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Keller started seven games for Arizona State last season. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 2,165 yards and 17 touchdowns before breaking his thumb.

According to NCAA rules, Keller will have to sit out the upcoming season at Nebraska. The senior would then be able to use his last year of remaining eligibility in 2007 when the Cornhuskers will be looking to replace quarterback Zac Taylor.

"(Keller) looks at Nebraska as an opportunity, and he's certainly deserving of that," Callahan said. "He's going to come in here and compete, just like everybody else. He wants to earn his stripes and earn his role." Callahan said Keller will be on scholarship both this year and next year.