SMU quarterback Kyle Padron reached the zenith of his career with the Mustangs when he led SMU to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl - its first bowl game in 25 years - back during the 2009-2010 season. He was named the MVP of that bowl after leading the Mustangs to a 45-10 rout of Nevada. And now, Padron will likely be leaving the Hilltop after SMU released him from his scholarship.
Padron started 21 straight games for SMU after Bo Levi Mitchell went down with a shoulder injury in 2009. At the time, Padron was a true freshman but flourished under head coach June Jones and the Run 'N' Shoot offense. However, after his success in the Hawaii Bowl, Padron has never quite played up to those standards that he himself set so high.
In the first game of the 2011-2012 season, Padron faltered early against Texas A&M with consecutive interceptions on his first two drives and was benched in favor of senior J.J. McDermott. McDermott had great initial success that kept Padron on the bench. Unfortunately for Padron, he injured his back right around the time that McDermott began struggling in the second half of the season.
A big reason for Padron's desire to leave may be the arrival of former Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert. Although Gilbert didn't find much success at Texas, he was still a five-star recruit that possesses many of the physical tools than elite, NFL quarterbacks have.
With a release from his scholarship, Padron can transfer to another school where he'll have the opportunity to be the starter. If he goes to another FBS school, he'll have to sit out a year. If he follows in the footsteps of Bo Levi Mitchell and goes to an FBC school, he can start immediately.