What did quarterback Jake Haener say to Red Wave on his way out of Fresno State?

Former Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener brought out the worst in a few Bulldogs’ fans after deciding to enter the NCAA transfer portal before the end of the college football season, becoming a target on social media.

But he posted a farewell on social media on Thursday saying, among other things, thanks to his teammates, the university and the Valley.

“When you dream of playing college football as a kid, you dream of the great games, relationships and memories you will make along the journey,” Haener wrote in an Instagram post.

“This journey has been nothing short of surreal and filled with adversity. As I look back, I cannot even begin to thank Fresno State enough, My teammates, the Red Wave and the entire valley have treated my family and I with the utmost respect and support. The decision I’m making has been the hardest of my life, truly. My greatest memories have been made as a Bulldog and the people I’ve met there will forever be close to me. I gave my heart to this valley and I want everyone to know this place will always be special to me. Thank you for everything Red Wave. It’s been a pleasure.”

Haener went into the portal on Tuesday afternoon, one day after coach Kalen DeBoer left the program to take a job at Washington. It is expected Haener will follow DeBoer to Seattle. The timing is not the best – the Bulldogs are bowl eligible at 9-3 and 6-2 in the Mountain West Conference, and will learn their bowl matchup on Sunday.

But the timing often is questionable. The Bulldogs landed Haener as a transfer from Washington in 2019, when already in fall camp. Haener announced his intention to transfer Aug. 23 after losing a competition with Jacob Eason, leaving the Huskies eight days before they opened the season and down a scholarship quarterback.

Former Fresno State quarterback Marcus McMaryion, a Dinuba native who led the Bulldogs to a 2018 Mountain West championship, left Oregon State to return to the Valley during fall camp, as well.

At Fresno State, Haener had a big 18-game run, completing 66.5% of his passes for 5,831 yards with 46 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He averaged 8.6 yards per attempt, which is higher than record-setting quarterback Derek Carr averaged in his Fresno State career – 7.9 yards per attempt.

Haener leaves Fresno State ranked No. 10 on the Bulldogs’ all-time career passing list and ninth on the career touchdown passes list.

This story was originally published December 2, 2021 at 11:25 AM.