Rice's backup QB J.T. Granato transferring to Missouri State

Former Rice quarterback J.T. Granato was driving home from a visit to Abilene Christian when Missouri State coach Dave Steckel called him.

Granato had recently lost a competitive position battle in Owls camp and by Monday, he had opted to transfer and was searching for schools that would give him more snaps.

Granato will transfer to Missouri State after Steckel sold him on the opportunity there.

"It's good football and they needed me," Granato said, "he talked about how much I'd be an addition to the team."

The race for Rice's starting quarterback position formally began last spring, stretching through this summer as Rice coach David Bailiff said nobody ran away with the job.

Sam Glaesmann and Jackson Tyner were named the Owl's starter and backup, respectively. The outcome left Granato, a redshirt sophomore, in a precarious situation.

At Missouri State, which plays in the FCS's Missouri Valley Conference, Granato said he will be able compete for the starting job and is eligible to play immediately.

"I know I'm going to get a chance. I have the opportunity to compete right now," Granato said of his new team.

He said he'll arrive at the southwest Missouri school's campus in time for Friday's practice.

"I thought I did well," he said of the position battle, "I worked my butt off, but some things just don't work out."

Granato threw for 96 yards on eight completions in four games last season. He was picked off twice but recorded a rushing touchdown against Prairie View last October.

Fervent fans may remember Granato from his recruiting process.

In a letter from then-co-offensive coordinator Billy Lynch, the coach wrote to Granato's cat, White Sox, hoping to secure its owner's commitment.

"As you know we're trying to convince J.T. Rice is the place for him. I know you'd like to keep him close so he can feed you and change the litter box. Please help us to get him to choose us. Paw me if you have any questions," Lynch wrote.

Yesterday, after discussing the depth chart with a reporter, Bailiff suggested the transfer was imminent.

"I think J.T. Granato is going to transfer. He is a good player and wants to be an every down player," he said. "We're going to miss him."