McCrary leaves Bears program

Former Vanderbilt quarterback Johnny McCrary, who transferred to Mercer during the offseason, has left the program.

McCrary joined the Bears’ program during the summer and was scheduled to have two years of eligibility with Mercer. He started 12 times in his 17 games at Vanderbilt and threw for 2,518 yards and 15 touchdowns with 20 interceptions.

McCrary’s departure leaves the Bears with four quarterbacks this season: senior starter John Russ, junior Michael Haynes, sophomore Tanner Brumby and true freshman Kaelan Riley. Russ has started all 35 games for Mercer since the program rebooted in 2013 and has thrown for 6,224 yards and 58 touchdowns.

According to sources, McCrary is headed to Clark Atlanta but will focus on academics and not play with the Panthers.