Texas' Cecil Cherry to leave program; dad cites issues with coaching staff

Incoming freshman linebacker Cecil Cherry has decided to end his tenure with Texas, mere days into his first preseason camp for the program.

His father, Winston Cherry, said Cecil asked for transfer paperwork on Monday, explaining that his son wasn't a good fit for the Longhorns' system under coach Charlie Strong.

"We're not saying Texas is a bad school. But it's not designed for his style of defense," the elder Cherry said, according to Brian Davis of the Austin American Statesman.

Cecil is expected to fly home to Florida on Saturday.

In the first days of practice, linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary appeared to hound Cecil several times, prompting Winston to speculate that his son was having difficulties with the coaching staff.

"I guess at this point, him and coach Strong aren’t getting along," the elder Cherry said, adding that he wanted Cecil to get his hands on the transfer paperwork as soon as possible so he could start calling schools on his son's behalf.

Cecil had narrowed his choices to Texas and Tennessee prior to opting for the Longhorns.

Winston said that decision strained their relationship, admitting that the two didn't speak for two months afterwards.

He also said he has since warned his son to only transfer to a program that he believes has his best interests at heart.