MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Former quarterback Daniel Sams was granted a conditional release from Kansas State on Tuesday to pursue playing opportunities closer to his home in Slidell, Louisiana.

The release only allows Sams to contact Football Championship Subdivision schools with the exception of Stephen F. Austin, which plays Kansas State this season. It does not allow the former starting quarterback to transfer to another Bowl Subdivision school.

Sams lost his job to Jake Waters on a full-time basis late last season, so he tried switching to wide receiver this spring. But he did not appear to make much headway and it would have been difficult for Sams to get on the field this season.

Sams thanked Kansas State coach Bill Snyder, his teammates and fans in a statement released by the school.

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