No. 3 quarterback Brian White is done with the Buffs
In yet another development in the University of Colorado’s quarterback circus, the team received word Sunday that junior quarterback Brian White has left the team.
“He quit today,” head coach Dan Hawkins said. “He just told me he is hanging it up.”
White released a statement through the CU sports information office Sunday night.
“Sunday morning I met with Coach Hawkins and discussed my decision to leave the University of Colorado,” White said in the statement. “I asked for, and received approval to, be released from the CU football program with the intention of transferring to another program. I have many close friends on the team and I wish them the best this season.”
White was considered the leading candidate to take over the starting role coming into the 2006 season after his performance in the Champs Sports Bowl last season. He was even listed as co-starter along with junior Bernard Jackson on the depth chart for much of the spring and fall camps.
However, White became the odd-man out on the depth chart when senior James Cox overtook both White and Jackson to become the Buffs’ starter late in fall camp. Cox and junior Bernard Jackson have been listed as No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.
Cox started the Buffs season opener, a 19-10 loss to Montana State, while Jackson was the Buffs starter against CSU, a 14-10 loss. White didn’t see action in either game.
“The third-string guy doesn’t get many reps anyway,” Hawkins said. “(White) was kind of the odd-man out.”
White lived with Cox over the summer, and Cox said White’s desire to play combined with his lack of playing time was a huge factor in his decision.
“He is going to weigh out his options and see what’s best for him,” Cox said. “I know he wanted to play so bad, and he is going to find an opportunity somewhere else.”
Jackson was named the starter for the Buffs game against No. 22 Arizona State on September 16 by Hawkins. However, neither Cox nor Jackson has been able to get the offense into any kind of rhythm so far this season. CU ranks 117 out of 119 Division I-A teams in total offense, averaging 181 yards per game.
White’s departure leaves the Buffs with three quarterbacks on their roster, Cox, Jackson, and Hawkins oldest son Cody, who has been red-shirted.
