Rutgers quarterback Cole Snyder rolls out to pass during the first half against Illinois on Oct. 30 in Champaign, Ill. AP photo

Over three years ago, on the side of Interstate 79 between Pittsburgh and Erie, Cole Snyder made a verbal commitment to Rutgers University.

Last week, the 2019 Southwestern Central School graduate announced his intention to transfer from the Scarlet Knights football program.

“I had my exit meeting with Coach (Sean) Gleeson and Coach (Greg) Schiano, and after hearing what they had to say, I felt like it was the right decision talking to my parents and other people I trust,” Snyder said Monday evening. “I want to go somewhere where I can compete for the starting job and hopefully win a championship.”

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound quarterback will still have three years of eligibility remaining when he decides on a new school, whenever and whereever that happens to be.

“I definitely want to be enrolled somewhere by the spring semester so I can compete in spring ball” Snyder said. “Having three more years definitely factored into it. You still have three more years at a new school.”

Although his opportunities were few and far between, Snyder did enjoy periods of success in Piscataway, New Jersey.

As a freshman, he appeared in two games, taking the field for the first time against Maryland on Oct. 5, 2019. By that time, Chris Ash — the head coach when Snyder signed with the Scarlet Knights — and offensive coordinator John McNulty — who played a big part in recruiting the 2018 Post-Journal Player of the Year to the Big Ten program — had already been fired.

Late that season, on Nov. 30 against No. 12 Penn State, Snyder completed all three passes he attempted for 35 yards and also ran for a first down.

Due to his limited use, Snyder retained his redshirt status under interim head coach Nunzio Campanile.

Schiano returned to the program that he elevated to national prominence in the 2000s, signing an eight-year, $32 million contract to be the new head coach Dec. 1, 2019.

In 2020, during a season hampered by COVID-19, Snyder played in just one game as the holder during a Nov. 7 game against Ohio State.

“My goal has always been to be the starter at Rutgers,” Snyder reiterated Monday. “Up until the day I entered the portal, that was my main focus.”

This spring, Snyder saw his most extensive look at quarterback during the team’s spring game at SHI Stadium. He went 13 of 16 for 148 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing four times for 22 yards.

“I thought it was great to see all the hard work, time and sacrifice I’ve made come to light,” Snyder said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t happen this season, but I thought it was a good indication of all the hard work and commitment I’d made at Rutgers.”

While Noah Vedral was the incumbent starter at quarterback, Snyder figured to slot in somewhere behind the 2019 transfer from the University of Nebraska. But the quarterback room became increasingly crowded during Snyder’s time in New Jersey. Juniors Johnny Langan and Austin Albericci were joined by freshmen Gavin Wimsatt, Gavin Rupp and Evan Simon.

“Some guys came in through the transfer portal, but some guys left, too. The transfer portal is a real thing and so many people are entering it,” Snyder said. “It’s becoming a real part of college football. A lot of teams are resorting to transfers to fill spots. It’s just part of the game now.”

The Lakewood native made his 2021 debut Sept. 4 in a win over Temple and then completed two passes for 7 yards while rushing for 25 yards in a victory over Delaware.

In “mop-up” duty against Ohio State, Snyder went 7 of 8 for 56 yards and a touchdown Oct. 2.

A week later against Michigan State, he was 5 of 9 for 54 yards; Oct. 30 at Illinois he completed two passes for 7 yards and ran for 11 yards; and Nov. 6 against Wisconsin he completed two more passes for 6 yards and ran for 9 yards.

“The biggest thing I’ll take from Rutgers are the relationships I’ve built and the knowledge of the game of football I’ve learned from all the different coaches,” Snyder said. “I’ll also take the education. It’s a great university.”

Now Snyder, who is still on schedule to graduate with a bachlor’s degree in economics with a minor in entrepreneurship, will take the holiday break to weigh his options and see if he’s put together enough film over three years at Rutgers for another Division I Football Bowl Subdivision or Football Championship Subdivision program to give him a chance.

“Schools of all levels have reached out,” Snyder said. “I’m talking to a couple of FBS schools right now. Hopefully I’ll land at one of those schools.”