UCLA quarterback Nick Crissman to transfer

The tough road quarterback Nick Crissman has followed will now lead him away from UCLA.

Crissman, who is healthy for the first time in his college career, will graduate in June and transfer to another school. UCLA officials have granted him a release to talk with other schools. He will be immediately eligible to play since he has graduated.

“I feel really good about it,” said Crissman, who played at Huntington Beach Edison High School. “It seems like my chances of playing at UCLA are extremely slim. I love UCLA, but if I can’t play there, I’ll get my degree and go play elsewhere.”

Crissman said he has not decided what schools to contact, but “my options are wide open. I will figure it out in the next 10-12 weeks.”

Kevin Prince, Richard Brehaut and Brett Hundley are returning to battle for the UCLA quarterback job this spring. T.J. Millweard, who played at Ft. Worth All Saints High School, is enrolling early to join that fray.

Crissman decided his best option was to play elsewhere. He has one year of eligibility remaining, but will seek a sixth year of eligibility by petitioning the NCAA for a medical redshirt year.

Crissman has had three shoulder surgeries since coming to UCLA. The first came when he was injured in practice playing for the scout as a freshman in 2008.

He said he is 100% healthy.

“If there was ever anyone who should get the sixth year, it’s me,” joked Crissman, who saw limited action in two games during his college career. “I have lost three years because of medical reasons.”

Crissman was a highly skilled quarterback out of Edison. He was ranked ninth nationally by Scout.com and 11^th by Rivals.com after throwing for 5,374 yards and 44 touchdowns during his high school career.

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UCLA quarterback Nick Crissman to transfer