Georgia QB Jacob Park to transfer (Updated)
Update: June 11 - 5:30 p.m.
A day after reports circulated that Park planned to leave Georgia, Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt confirmed the quarterback's decision to pursue a transfer.
“We’ve had conversations during which we discussed all the viewpoints,” said Richt. “In the end, he feels like the opportunity for
significant playing time would be better at another school. I can understand his decision, and we’ll support him in finding a good fit at
another institution.”
“I want to thank Coach Richt and Georgia for the experience I’ve had in Athens,” said Park. “I’m grateful for the opportunity but now look forward to what’s next in my college career.”
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Georgia’s quarterback competition is reportedly back down to three.
According to UGASports.com, redshirt freshman Jacob Park has left the program. Park was competing for the starting role with redshirt sophomore Brice Ramsey and redshirt junior Faton Bauta during spring ball, but “did not take any snaps with the No. 1 offense” during three team scrimmages. According to the Athens Banner-Herald, Park was 15-of-30 for 315 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions during those scrimmages.
Additionally, Georgia head coach Mark Richt brought in former Virginia starter Greyson Lambert as a graduate transfer, further crowding the field. Lambert is immediately eligible and has two years left to play. The Bulldogs also have a verbal commitment from 2016 recruit Jacob Eason, a Rivals five-star quarterback from Lake Stevens, Wash.
Richt has said in recent weeks that the quarterback competition would continue into fall practice
Per UGASports, Park announced his decision to leave in a Facebook post Tuesday night, but later deleted it.
In his message on the social media site, Park wrote "I just want to say thank u (sic) Dawg Nation and everyone else who made my stay in Athens special ... Never will forget the people and friends ... time to move on and turn the page to the next chapter.”
Park also reportedly had thoughts about leaving the program months ago.
Earlier, UGASports.com was told by a source speaking on condition of anonymity that Park actually began having second-thoughts after the Bulldogs' Belk Bowl win over Louisville. After workouts Tuesday he apparently cleaned out his locker and then went to the second floor of the Butts-Mehre facility where the Georgia coaches offices are located. Park would later tell our source, "I quit."
When reached by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Park’s father, Adam, said he wasn’t sure what his son’s plans were.
“I can’t tell you what’s up because I don’t know what’s going on myself,” Park said. “I have no clue where this came from. I don’t know nothing about it.”
Park’s high school coach, Ray Stackley of Stratford High in Goose Creek, S.C., could not confirm Park’s decision either. However, he did say that he spoke with the family last week about a possible transfer.
“I have not talked to him or his parents this morning, but I’ve seen reports,” Stackley told the Athens Banner-Herald Wednesday. “I assume it’s true, but I’m not 100 percent sure that he has left.”
The 6-foot-4, 202-pound Park was a four-star recruit in the 2014 class.
For more Georgia news, visit UGASports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
