Shortly after Texas released their depth chart Monday and Connor Wood (pictured, right) was nowhere to be found on the two-deep -- or even the three-deep -- at the quarterback position, it was reported that Wood was actually visiting Colorado in preparation for a transfer.
After a brief visit to LSU, Wood has indeed landed at the former Big 12 school.
In a press release, UT announced that Wood has officially transferred to the Buffaloes. Wood was given his unconditional release from the football program, although it’s unclear when exactly that release was given.
“We appreciate everything Connor has brought to our program,” head coach Mack Brown said in a statement. “He is a tremendous young man and is a great teammate and student. We hate to see him leave, but at the same time we understand his desire to play. We hope for nothing but the best for him and look forward to following his career at Colorado.”
“I want to thank Coach (Mack) Brown, Coach (Bryan) Harsin, all of the coaches, and my teammates for the opportunity to play at a great school like The University of Texas,” Wood said in his own statement. “I loved playing for UT and gave it my all, but I felt I needed to seek a new opportunity. I will always cherish the memories and friends I developed as a Longhorn, but I’m excited about the next chapter in my life and looking forward to playing at the University of Colorado.”
Wood came to Austin as a ballyhooed recruit in 2010, ranked as a four-star player and the No. 3 pro-style QB in the country by Rivals.com. At one point during spring practice, it was thought Wood might actually be leading the Longhorns’ four-headed battle for the starting job; five months later, Wood found himself behind not only starter Garrett Gilbert, but backup Case McCoy and No. 3 David Ash as well.
Wood will have to sit out the 2011 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules, and will have three years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2012.