Arizona is losing its top cornerback. Most expected that outcome, but the destination came as a bit of a surprise on Tuesday.

Instead of declaring for the NFL Draft, Christian Roland-Wallace announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. He’ll have one year to play.

“My time here at the University of Arizona has been more than a blessing,” he wrote in a message shared to Instagram. “These past years have been more than I can ever ask for. Through the instability and uncertainties I have always been resilient and faithful and I have given nothing less than 100% throughout this journey.

“Being an Arizona Wildcat was definitely a unique experience that I would not trade for anything.”

Roland-Wallace started all 12 games at corner this season for Arizona. He notched career-highs in total tackles (58), pass breakups (six), and forced fumbles (two). He was the Wildcats’ third highest-graded defender, according to Pro Football Focus, and played the second-most snaps of anyone on the defense.

The Palmdale, California product spent four seasons in Tucson. He recorded 169 total tackles, 18 pass breakups, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks in 41 appearances.

Arizona is expected to return a pair of promising freshman corners in Ephesians Prysock and Tacario Davis, as well as veterans Treydan Stukes and Isaiah Rutherford.