Sophomore quarterback Kris Heavner will leave UA after this semester and transfer to Baylor University to be closer to his family in Texas, The Arizona Daily Star reported yesterday.
"My family will be able to see me play," Heavner told the Star this week. "I am looking forward to a fresh start."
Nothing official has been filed for Heavner's transfer, the UA sports information office said yesterday.
Heavner began the 2004 season as the Wildcats' starting signal caller, but was replaced after six games by redshirt freshman Richard Kovalcheck.
The Johnson City, Texas, native finished his Arizona career throwing for 2,338 yards and 12 touchdowns with 19 interceptions.
Heavner attempted one pass in relief of Kovalcheck during UA's 34-27 win over in-state rival Arizona State Friday, a 10-yard completion, finishing the 2004 season with 837 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions.
Heavner will be Arizona's third scholarship quarterback to leave the program this season. Junior Nic Costa quit the team midway through the year after a rough early season rotating between the wide receiver, running back and quarterback positions, while sophomore Ryan O'Hara left school to be with his ailing brother, who is recovering from a kidney transplant.
Tight ends coach leaves UA for South Carolina
Arizona tight end coach Steve Spurrier Jr. will leave Tucson to join his father Steve Spurrier at South Carolina, according to the Arizona media relations office.
The Associated Press said Spurrier Jr. will coach receivers with the Gamecocks, a similar position he held under his father at Florida and in the NFL with the Redskins.
The elder Spurrier was hired by South Carolina to replace Lou Holtz, who recently announced his retirement. While at Florida, Spurrier led the Gators to the 1996 national championship in 12 seasons in Gainesville, Fla., before attempting a two-year stint with the NFL's Washington franchise.