That certainly didn’t take long.
Earlier this year, Ricky Town was one of the highest-rated members of USC’s 2015 recruiting class. Fast-forward half a year, and it appears the quarterback’s time with the Trojans has come to an end.
According to a tweet from Varsity Preps director of scouting Demetric Warren, Towns has asked for, and been granted a release from, his USC scholarship. No reason was given an abrupt departure that comes less than three weeks before the start of the 2015 season.
Scout.com‘s USC website subsequently confirmed the move.
Breaking: Former 2015 5 Star QB Ricky Town has requested a transfer from #USC. Coach Sarkisian verbally agreed to Ricky Town's decision.
— Demetric D. Warren (@DemetricDWarren) August 16, 2015
Family sources reporting freshman quarterback Ricky Town has requested a transfer from #USC. Town enrolled at #USC in January.
— Gerard Martinez (@gmartlive) August 16, 2015
Town was a four-star member of the Trojans’ most recent recruiting class, rated as the No. 5 pro-style quarterback in the country; the No. 20 player at any position in the state of California; and the No. 127 player overall according to Rivals.com. In January of 2014, Town pulled his verbal commitment from Alabama and gave it to USC.
With Heisman hopeful Cody Kessler firmly entrenched as the starter, Town was widely expected to take a redshirt as a true freshman. He was an early enrollee who took part in spring practice.
(Tip O’ the Cap: al.com)
(Photo credit: Rivals.com)
UPDATED 9:09 p.m. ET: Following practice Sunday, head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed that Town has decided to transfer out of the USC football program.