Stony Brook QB Charlie McKee enters transfer portal following freshman season
Stony Brook quarterback Charlie McKee passes against Maine during a CAA football game at LaValle Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Charlie McKee, the Nassau County all-time high school leader in passing yards, has entered the transfer portal after his freshman year at Stony Brook.
McKee, who starred at Oceanside High School, appeared in five games at quarterback, including making four starts, for Stony Brook this season. The Seawolves finished 2-9.
McKee said there wasn’t one specific reason for this transfer, but after discussing his future with family and Oceanside football coach Rob Blount, McKee believes it was in his best interest to explore other options.
“It was definitely a tough season throughout but I was able to get through it with my teammates by my side,” McKee said. “It was a tough season overall but nothing that killed me.”
McKee, 6-0, 197 pounds, completed 60% of his passes (66 of 110) for 806 yards and six touchdowns with seven interceptions. The true freshman completed 18 of 26 passes for 190 yards with a touchdown and an interception in his first college appearance in relief for Daron Bryden in a 24-14 loss to New Hampshire Oct. 8. McKee started the next four games before not appearing over the final two contests.
McKee, who made the official announcement on social media Tuesday, said he already has received interest from coaches. He’s open to playing at all levels – whether that be higher, lower or within Division I-AA.
“I just want to play ball at this point, have some fun doing it and get a good degree no matter where I end up,” McKee said. “I’m just kind of seeing what comes in and go from there.”
Blount said whatever program ends up with McKee is getting a winner.
“I think for any program that gets him, they are getting a young man who is energetic and loves the game of football,” he said. “He’s a great leader and someone people naturally gravitate toward and I think that’s going to be a plus to any program that gets him.”
McKee said he wants to complete his transfer by next semester and compete for a chance to start during spring ball. The transfer portal has made that possible for thousands of student-athletes.
“It’s definitely a huge difference but I don’t think it’s anything that’s terrible for college football,” McKee said. “It’s a chance for a lot of guys to go in and find great places to go.”
