Bronco Mendenhall surprised many when he left BYU after 11 seasons to take over a Virginia program with 15 wins in four seasons.

But to listen to Mendenhall at the ACC media days, he was ready for a rebuild after what he described as “an intentional choice.”

Virginia went 2-10 in Mendenhall’s first season, with one ACC win. By comparison, Mendenhall never won fewer than six games and had five seasons with at least 10 wins at BYU.

Still, Mendenhall said Friday that it was “gratifying, invigorating, challenging all at the same time.”

The coach said that it was what he was ready for at this stage of his career and that he’s “getting exactly what I wanted and what I chose.”

Ducks dismiss receiver

Oregon receiver Darren Carrington has been dismissed from the team nearly two weeks after he was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence.

“I have visited with Darren Carrington and informed him that he is no longer a member of our program,” coach Willie Taggart said in a statement Friday. “We will always consider Darren a Duck and support him in any way we can. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Eugene, Ore., police say Carrington, 22, of San Diego was arrested after hitting a pole at a McDonald’s restaurant at 3:15 a.m. July 1. In addition to DUI, Carrington was cited for careless driving and making an improper turn.

Last season as a junior, Carrington had 43 catches for 606 yards and five touchdowns. He had 112 career receptions for 1,919 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Cornhusker has surgery

Nebraska cornerback Chris Jones will miss at least half of the season after having knee surgery.

Coach Mike Riley said Saturday that Jones had surgery to repair his left meniscus. Recovery normally takes four to six months.

As a junior last season, The 6-foot, 195-pounder had three interceptions and 10 pass breakups. He also was recognized with honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.