Texas State Transfer QB Commit Jayden De Laura Withdraws Following Protests, Sexual Assault Case

Earlier this month, Texas State picked up a transfer commitment - former Arizona and Washington State quarterback Jayden de Laura. The university announced on Wednesday that de Laura had withdrawn from the school and would not, in fact, be joining the team.

“Jayden de Laura has withdrawn as a student at Texas State University and will not be a part of the Texas State football program,” the statement read.

The news comes following the release of details from a civil case in de Laura’s home state, Hawaii, where it’s alleged that de Laura and a former teammate, minors at the time, committed sexual assault against another minor.

When the details of the case were released and published by The University Star, Texas State’s student media, the football program and head coach GJ Kinne expressed support for de Laura and cited assistant coach Craig Stutzmann specifically as someone who could personally vouch for de Laura’s character. Stutzmann was announced as the new offensive coordinator at San José State on Tuesday.

Members of the student body also stated their displeasure with the commitment, including an on-campus protest originally planned for this coming Friday.

In football terms, the news also creates more problems for Kinne as last year’s star quarterback TJ Finley has transferred to Western Kentucky, with de Laura’s commitment cited as a contributing factor in his decision. Texas State also lost Finley’s backup, former Arkansas QB Malik Hornsby to the portal several weeks ago. Hornsby has since committed to Arkansas State. With the withdrawal of de Laura, it’s unclear what Texas State’s options are now at QB1.

The Bobcats have not announced a date yet for the beginning of spring practice.