TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Alabama quarterback Phillip Sims is transferring after the spring semester.
Sims said in a statement released Friday by the university that supporting his family in Virginia "needs to be my priority right now." Sims says he hopes to continue his playing career but didn't mention a possible destination.
The third-year sophomore was one of the nation's most highly touted quarterback prospects out of Chesapeake, Va., but lost a battle with A.J. McCaron for the starting job early last season.
McCarron led the Crimson Tide to a national title and has two more years of eligibility.
Sims played in eight games, completing 64.3 percent of his passes for 163 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.
His departure leaves sophomore Phillip Ely and incoming freshman Alec Morris behind McCarron.
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