Arizona linebacker Brian Wagner, a graduate transfer from Akron and the nation’s top returning tackler, has left the UA football program, according to TucsonCitizen.com.
Wagner told the Citizen that he doesn’t “have love for the game anymore,” and it’s a decision that he’d been contemplating for a while.
Wagner was projected to start at middle linebacker in defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel’s 3-3-5 “odd-stack” defense. Sophomore Rob Hankins was Wagner’s backup in the spring, but the senior’s departure leaves a gaping hole in Arizona’s linebacker depth.
Arizona’s other two starters will likely be junior Jake Fischer and sophomore Hank Hobson.
Wagner made 147 tackles in 11 games last season at Akron while earning first team All-MAC honors.
