Mosely passes on final year

CHAMPAIGN – Apparently, Marquis Mosely didn’t want that extra season of football after all.

Two years ago, the University of Illinois receiver petitioned the Big Ten and NCAA for a medical redshirt. When the redshirt was granted, Mosely added the 1997 season to his eligibility.

On Tuesday, Illinois announced Mosely has quit the team.

“Football is no longer a priority in my life and is no longer as fun as it once was,” Mosely said. “I’ve made the decision to pursue some of the other things that I want to do in life, things that relate more to my future career plans.

“This is something that I have been thinking about for a long time and has nothing to do with the new coaching staff or Coach (Ron) Turner. But for my own well- being and peace of mind, I have decided to prepare myself to pursue other career opportunities.”

Mosely, who started all 11 games last season at split end, was expected to be the team’s top receiver.

Mosely was second on the team with 28 receptions in 1996 for 301 yards and a touchdown.

Mosely finished sixth in the Big Ten last season in punt returns with a 10- yard average on 25 attempts.

“We appreciate what he has done for this program and wish him success with his future,” Turner said.

In his first three seasons, Mosely caught 20 passes for 224 yards and no touchdowns. He was on his way to a decent season in 1995 but suffered a broken collarbone in the third game against Arizona.

The injury started Mosely’s long petition process for a medical redshirt.

After the petition was granted, Mosely broke his collarbone again during the ’96 spring practice.

Mosely was never able to reach the level expected of him after he starred at Bloomington High School. The News-Gazette All-Stater picked the Illini over Texas and Miami.

Mosely combined with Jason Dulick for 81 of Illinois’ 199 receptions in ’96. With the duo gone, the Illini coaches will turn to juniors Rob Majoy and George McDonald-Ashford, sophomores Michael Dean and Lenny Willis and redshirt freshmen Bobie Singleton and Anthony Thompson.

Mosely is the second ’96 starter who won’t complete his eligibility. Defensive end Cyron Brown was dismissed from the team in January by Turner for violating team rules.

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